Media cartridges and image recording devices

Abstract

This invention provides a media cartridge and an image recording apparatus. The media cartridge disclosed herein is configured to be inserted into and removed relative to the apparatus body, and is capable of selectively accommodating any recording medium, either roll media or monolithic media, wherein the roll media has a continuous medium wound in a roll shape.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-017757, filed on February 5, 2020; Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-058443, filed on March 27, 2020; and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-064155, filed on March 31, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a media cartridge and an image recording apparatus having said media cartridge, wherein the media cartridge may selectively contain any recording medium, either roll media or monolithic media. Background Technology

[0004] Related technologies disclose a feeder device configured to rotate a spool passing through a roll of sheet material in both a forward and reverse direction, and to determine whether the recording medium is a cut sheet or a roll of sheet material based on changes in the amount of deflection of the recording medium.

[0005] Additionally, for example, existing technology discloses an image recording apparatus configured to selectively set either a cut sheet or a roll of sheet. To determine which type of sheet, cut or roll, is set, the image recording apparatus includes an end-effector detection sensor. The end-effector detection sensor is positioned relative to the cut and roll of sheet so that it outputs a signal indicating the absence of sheet when a cut sheet is set, and outputs a signal indicating the presence of sheet when a roll of sheet is set.

[0006] Prior art also discloses a recording device capable of determining whether a recording medium is a cut sheet or a rolled sheet by rotating a spool that supports a rolled sheet in a forward and reverse direction. In this recording device, the spool rotates in both the forward and reverse directions while the recording medium is clamped at a clamping position downstream of the spool in the transport direction of the recording medium. When the recording medium is a rolled sheet, consistent with the operation of rotating the spool in the forward and reverse directions, the tension in the recording medium upstream of the clamping position in the transport direction changes, and the amount of deflection changes. On the other hand, when the recording medium is a cut sheet, since the portion of the recording medium upstream of the clamping position in the transport direction is not fixed, the tension in the recording medium does not change even though the spool rotates in both the forward and reverse directions. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the recording medium is a cut sheet or a rolled sheet based on the change in the amount of deflection of the recording medium when the spool rotates in the forward and reverse directions.

[0007] In existing feeder devices, a roll of sheet material is positioned within the feeder device, with a spool passing through it. When the roll of sheet material is replaced, the spool is removed and made accessible again for a new roll of sheet material, which is then positioned within the feeder device. In the support configuration for the roll of sheet material in the feeder device, the replacement operation can be cumbersome. For example, when supporting a new roll of sheet material in the feeder device, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the roll of sheet material so that the spool passing through it is properly installed.

[0008] Furthermore, when image formation is performed with a roll of sheet material, the transport resistance typically varies depending on the remaining amount of sheet material. That is, when the consumption of sheet material is small and the remaining amount is large, the overall weight of the roll is heavy, resulting in high transport resistance. Conversely, as the sheet material is consumed and the remaining amount decreases accordingly, the overall weight of the roll becomes lighter and the transport resistance decreases. Therefore, to maintain high transport accuracy, appropriate transport control is necessary, such as adjusting the torque based on the remaining amount of sheet material.

[0009] In existing image recording devices, a front-end detection sensor can detect when the roll of media is set. However, it cannot detect the remaining amount of the set roll of media. Therefore, a separate sensor must be provided to detect the remaining amount of the roll of media, which increases manufacturing costs and increases the size of the device.

[0010] Furthermore, examples of roll sheets include roll sheets whose rear end is not fixed to the winding core and roll sheets whose rear end is fixed to the winding core. In prior art recording devices, when a roll sheet whose rear end is not fixed to the winding core has been used up, the portion of the recording medium upstream of the clamping position in terms of the transport direction is in an unfixed state, making it possible to be incorrectly detected as a cut sheet. In the case of a roll sheet whose rear end is fixed to the winding core, when the reel is rotated in the forward and reverse directions when the sheet has been used up, the change in the amount of deflection of the recording medium differs from that before the sheet was used up. As a result, it may be possible to fail to accurately detect that the sheet has been used up. Summary of the Invention

[0011] For the replacement of roll media, the inventors have studied a media cartridge structure having a support portion configured to support the roll media. This support portion contacts the lower outer peripheral surface of the roll media to facilitate replacement of the roll media (e.g., roll sheet). Note that the prior art does not disclose a technique for determining whether a cut sheet or a roll sheet is being used in a structure where the roll sheet is supported from below by the support portion. In this structure, when recording images on a continuous medium constituting the roll media, a single sheet of medium (e.g., a cut sheet) may be contained in the media cartridge if it is impossible to detect whether the medium supported on the support portion in the media cartridge is roll media. In this case, the image is incorrectly recorded on the single sheet of medium, resulting in a waste of the single sheet of medium, recording agent, and time.

[0012] One aspect of this disclosure provides a media cartridge and an image recording device that facilitates the replacement of roll media and can detect whether the roll media is supported on a support.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an image recording device capable of performing both identification of which type of medium, monolithic or roll medium, is set via a sensor, and detection of the remaining quantity when roll medium is set.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an image recording apparatus capable of determining whether the recording medium contained in a media cartridge is a roll medium or a single-piece medium, and also capable of correctly determining that the roll medium has been used up.

[0015] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a media cartridge is provided, the media cartridge being configured to be inserted and removed relative to a device body, and the media cartridge being configured to selectively accommodate any recording medium of roll media and monolithic media, the roll media having a continuous medium wound in a roll shape.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an image recording apparatus is provided, comprising: the aforementioned media cartridge; and the apparatus body, wherein the media cartridge further comprises: a support portion configured to rotatably support the roll medium by contacting an outer peripheral surface of a lower portion of the roll medium housed in the media cartridge; and a sensor configured to output a signal regarding whether the roll medium is supported on the support portion, wherein the apparatus body includes: a conveying mechanism configured to convey the continuous medium or the monolithic medium of the roll medium housed in the media cartridge; a recording unit configured to record an image on the continuous medium or the monolithic medium conveyed by the conveying mechanism; and a controller configured to control the conveying mechanism and the recording unit, wherein the controller allows image recording on the continuous medium of the roll medium if it is determined based on the signal that the roll medium is supported on the support portion, and disallows image recording on the continuous medium of the roll medium if it is determined based on the signal that the roll medium is not supported on the support portion.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an image recording apparatus is provided, comprising: the aforementioned media cartridge; a recording unit configured to record an image on the roll medium or the monolithic medium; and an optical sensor disposed above the media cartridge, the optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, wherein the optical sensor is arranged such that the optical axis of emitted light from the light emitting unit is tilted at an angle such that reflected light from the monolithic medium is not received by the light receiving unit, and reflected light from the roll medium is received by the light receiving unit.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an image recording apparatus is provided, comprising: the aforementioned media cartridge; a feed unit configured to feed the recording medium from the media cartridge; and a recording unit configured to record an image on the recording medium fed from the media cartridge by the feed unit, wherein the media cartridge includes: a support portion configured to rotatably support the roll medium by contacting an outer peripheral surface of a lower portion of the roll medium housed in the media cartridge; a first sensor configured to detect whether the roll medium is supported on the support portion; and a second sensor configured to detect the presence of the recording medium at a detection position located on a path between the support portion and the feed unit, and through which the recording medium unwound from the roll medium passes. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a printer that employs a sheet feed box according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2A This is a partial enlarged view of the sheet feed box, showing a case where a sheet of media is wound two or more times.

[0021] Figure 2B This is a partial enlarged view of the sheet feed box, showing the situation where a roll of media sheet is wound around once;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the controller;

[0023] Figure 4 It is shown by Figure 1 The flowchart shows the processes performed by the printer's controller.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged view of the sheet feed box according to a first modified embodiment of the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged view of the sheet feed box according to a second modified embodiment of the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a partial enlarged view of the sheet feed box according to the third modified embodiment of the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall structure of an image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The partial schematic diagram shown illustrates the case where a roll of sheet material is contained in a box instead of a sheet material.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the control system of an image recording device;

[0030] Figure 11 The detection behavior of the optical sensor is shown when the sheet is contained in a box;

[0031] Figure 12 It is a graph showing the change in the light receiving potential of the optical sensor;

[0032] Figure 13 The detection behavior of the optical sensor is shown when the roll of sheet material is contained in a cassette;

[0033] Figure 14 It is a graph showing the change in the light receiving potential of the optical sensor;

[0034] Figure 15 It is a flowchart illustrating the control process executed by the ASIC's CPU; Figure 16 The detection behavior of the optical sensor in a modified embodiment of the second embodiment is shown, wherein the remaining amount of sheet is also detected by changing the tilt of the optical axis;

[0035] Figure 17 It is a flowchart illustrating the control process executed by the ASIC's CPU;

[0036] Figure 18 The detection behavior of the optical sensor is shown when the recording sheet with the smallest possible size is arranged.

[0037] Figure 19A The detection behavior of the optical sensor in a modified embodiment of the second embodiment is shown, wherein the tilt of the optical axis is adjusted according to the reduction of the remaining amount of the roll sheet;

[0038] Figure 19B The detection behavior of the optical sensor in a modified embodiment of the second embodiment is shown, wherein the tilt of the optical axis is adjusted according to the reduction of the remaining amount of the roll sheet;

[0039] Figure 20 It is a flowchart illustrating the control process executed by the ASIC's CPU;

[0040] Figure 21 This is a side view showing a schematic construction of a printer according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 The block diagram of the printer controller shown is shown.

[0042] Figure 23 It is shown in Figure 21 The first half of a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed in the printer shown;

[0043] Figure 24A and Figure 24B It is shown in Figure 21 The second half of the flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed in the printer shown;

[0044] Figure 25A yes Figure 21 The side view of the feed box shown illustrates the state in which the roll media is contained.

[0045] Figure 25B yes Figure 21 The side view of the feed box shown illustrates the state in which cut sheets of a predetermined size are contained;

[0046] Figure 25C yes Figure 21 The side view of the feed box shown illustrates the state in which cut sheets with dimensions larger than the predetermined size are contained;

[0047] Figure 26A yes Figure 21 The side view of the feed box shown illustrates a state where the roll of sheet material, whose rear end is not secured to the winding core, has run out of sheet material; and

[0048] Figure 26B yes Figure 21 The side view of the feed box shown illustrates the state in which the roll of sheet that secures its rear end to the winding core has run out of sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0049] [First Embodiment]

[0050] In the following text, a printer 100 in which a sheet feed cassette 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0051] Printer 100 includes a housing 100a, a sheet feed cassette 1, a sheet feed unit 2, a conveying unit 3, a cutting unit 4, a head 5, a sheet discharge tray 6, and a controller 7. The sheet feed cassette (media cassette) 1 can be detachably mounted to the lower part of the housing 100a. The sheet discharge tray 6 forms a side wall of the upper part of the housing 100a and can be opened and closed relative to the housing 100a.

[0052] In the sheet feed cassette 1, a roll sheet R corresponding to the "roll medium" of this disclosure and a cut sheet K corresponding to the "single sheet medium" of this disclosure (shown as a dashed line in FIG. 2) can be selectively accommodated. The roll sheet R has the following configuration: the sheet P corresponding to the "continuous medium" of this disclosure is wound in a roll shape on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical core member (paper tube) Rc. The roll sheet R is arranged such that along the axial direction (within the rotation axis Rx, the central axis of the core member Rc)... Figure 1 The direction perpendicular to the drawing (the direction perpendicular to the drawing) is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The axial direction of the rotation axis Rx also corresponds to the width direction of the sheet P. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction A in which the sheet P is unwound from the roll sheet R is essentially to the right, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. The cut sheet K is partially arranged on the support 12, which will be described later, or the support 12 is removed and the cut sheet K is entirely arranged on the bottom surface 11a1 of the tray 11, which will be described later.

[0053] like Figure 1As shown, the sheet feed cassette 1 includes: a tray 11; a support 12 configured to rotatably support the roll sheet R via its outer peripheral surface supporting the lower portion; and an optical sensor 20. The tray 11 has an upwardly opening box shape and is configured to selectively accommodate the roll sheet R and the cut sheet K. The support 12 includes a support base 13 and three rollers 14 to 16.

[0054] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the support base 13 includes two base portions 13a and 13b, which are arranged separately from each other in a horizontal direction B perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx. The two base portions 13a and 13b are configured to be detachably mounted on the bottom 11a of the tray 11. Furthermore, each of the base portions 13a and 13b extends longitudinally in the axial direction of the rotation axis Rx. In this embodiment, the base portions 13a and 13b are formed to be slightly longer than the width of the sheet P (i.e., the roll sheet R). The base portion 13a is arranged upstream of the rotation axis Rx of the roll sheet R supported on the support portion 12 with respect to the unwinding direction A. Figure 1 On the left side of the middle). The base portion 13a has an inclined surface 13a1 that slopes downward toward the unwinding direction A. The base portion 13b is arranged on the downstream side of the rotation axis Rx of the rolled sheet R supported on the support portion 12 with respect to the unwinding direction A. Figure 1 On the right side of the base 13b. The base portion 13b has an inclined surface 13b1 that is inclined upward toward the unwinding direction A. In other words, the two inclined surfaces 13a1 and 13b1 of the supporting base 13 are each inclined such that the height of the base 13 from the bottom surface 11a1 of the tray 11 increases in the horizontal direction B as the distance from the axis of rotation Rx increases.

[0055] The three rollers 14 to 16 also extend longitudinally in the axial direction of the rotation axis Rx, and each roller is formed to be slightly larger than the width of the rolled sheet R. Note that each of the rollers 14 to 16 may also be composed of a plurality of separate rollers arranged apart from each other in the axial direction of the rotation axis Rx. Roller 14 is rotatably supported on the base portion 13a. Roller 14 is also arranged on the lower side of the inclined surface 13a1. Two rollers 15 and 16 are rotatably supported on the base portion 13b. Roller 15 is arranged on the lower side of the inclined surface 13b1, while roller 16 is arranged on the upper side of the inclined surface 13b1. The two rollers 14 and 15 are configured to support the rolled sheet R from below, contacting the lower outer peripheral surface of the rolled sheet R, and in this embodiment, contacting the lower semicircular region Ra of the outer peripheral surface of the rolled sheet R, such as... Figure 2AAs shown in the diagram. The two rollers 14 and 15 are further configured to support the roll sheet R, contacting the outer peripheral surface (lower semicircular region Ra) of the roll sheet R at two contact positions Ra1 and Ra2, wherein the lower end of the roll sheet R is clamped between the two contact positions in the horizontal direction B.

[0056] An optical sensor 20 is disposed on the bottom 11a of the tray 11. More specifically, the optical sensor 20 is disposed between the two base portions 13a and 13b of the support base 13, and is able to face the lower end of the roll sheet R disposed on the support base 13. That is, the optical sensor 20 is disposed at a position lower than the contact positions Ra1 and Ra2 of the roll sheet R that contact the two rollers 14 and 15, and faces the lower end of the roll sheet R, and is configured to detect the lower end of the roll sheet R. The optical sensor 20 includes a light emitting element 20a and a light receiving element 20b. As shown by the solid arrow in FIG2, the light emitting element 20a is configured to emit light toward the outer peripheral surface of the roll sheet R. Figure 2A As shown by the solid arrow Y1, the light receiving element 20b is configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting element 20a and reflected off the outer peripheral surface of the roll sheet R. Note that the light reflectivity of the surface of the core member Rc is lower than that of the sheet P. Furthermore, the light emitting element 20a and the light receiving element 20b are arranged such that light emitted from the light emitting element 20a is reflected off the roll sheet R and then received by the light receiving element 20b. Figure 2A As shown, when the cut sheet K, instead of the rolled sheet R, is arranged to overlap with the support base 13, although the light emitted from the light emitting element 20a is reflected on the cut sheet K, the reflected light is directed towards the lower part of the inclined surface 13b1 and is not received by the light receiving element 20b, as... Figure 2A As shown by the double-dotted arrow Y2 in the figure. Even if the support part 12 is removed from the bottom 11a and the cut sheet K is arranged on the bottom surface 11a1, the light emitting element 20a is directly covered by the cut sheet K, so that the light receiving element 20b cannot receive the light emitted from the light emitting element 20a.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 2BAs shown, in a near-empty state where the remaining amount of sheet P in the roll of sheet R is reduced to only one turn of sheet on the core member Rc, the light receiving element 20b receives reflected light emitted from the light emitting element 20a and reflected from sheet P and core member Rc via sheet P. At this time, the amount of light received is less than in the case where sheet P is stacked in two or more layers, and greater than in the case where sheet P is not stacked and reflected light is directly reflected from the core member Rc. Note that the state where sheet P is stacked in two or more layers means that two or more turns of sheet P are kept wound on the core member Rc. At this time, the light receiving element 20b receives reflected light reflected from the outermost sheet P and the sheet P adjacent to the outermost sheet P. The light receiving element 20b is configured to output a signal indicating each received amount of light (i.e., a signal indicating whether the roll of sheet R is supported on the support 13) to the controller 7.

[0058] The sheet feeding unit 2 includes a feeder roller 2a, an arm 2b, and a feeder motor 2M (see [link]). Figure 3 The feeder roller 2a is pivotally supported by the end of the arm 2b. The arm 2b is rotatably supported by a support shaft 2c and driven downward by a spring or similar mechanism, causing the feeder roller 2a to contact the tray 11. The arm 2b is further configured to retract upward during the installation and removal of the tray 11. When the feeder motor 2M is driven under the control of the controller 7, the power of the feeder motor 2M is transmitted to the feeder roller 2a via a transmission mechanism (not shown), causing the feeder roller 2a to rotate to feed the sheet P or cut sheet K of the roll sheet R contained in the tray 11.

[0059] Conveying unit 3 includes three sets of conveying roller pairs 3a to 3c and a conveying motor 3M (see [link]). Figure 3 Each of the conveyor roller pairs 3a to 3c consists of a drive roller and a driven roller. The drive roller is configured to rotate by a conveyor motor 3M, while the driven roller is configured to rotate together with the drive roller. The conveyor motor 3M is driven under the control of the controller 7, and each of the conveyor roller pairs 3a to 3c rotates while holding the sheet P or the cut sheet K, thereby conveying the sheet P or the cut sheet K.

[0060] The cutting unit 4 is arranged above the conveyor roller pair 3a. The cutting unit 4 includes a cutter 4a and a cutting motor 4M (see [link to cutting unit]). Figure 3 The cutting motor 4M is configured to drive the cutter 4a. The cutting motor 4M is driven under the control of the controller 7, causing the sheet P unwound from the roll sheet R to be cut by the cutter 4a. This forms the rear end of the sheet P.

[0061] Head 5 includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) formed in its lower surface and a driver IC 5a (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3When the driver IC 5a is driven under the control of the controller 7, ink is ejected from the nozzle, so that an image is recorded on the sheet P or cut sheet K conveyed by the transport unit 3. Furthermore, the head 5 corresponds to the "recording unit" of this disclosure and can be configured to eject ink from a nozzle in a fixed position, or configured to eject ink from a nozzle in a serial manner while moving in the axial direction of the rotation axis Rx. The sheet P, having the image recorded by the head 5 and cut by the cutter 4a, is housed on the sheet discharge tray 6, which is open relative to the housing 100a.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the controller 7 is connected via an internal bus 100b to a feeder motor 2M, a conveyor motor 3M, a driver IC 5a, a cutting motor 4M, a light emitting element 20a, a light receiving element 20b, and a display 9. The display 9 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 100a. The controller 7 is configured to send signals related to light emission to the light emitting element 20a and to receive signals from the light receiving element 20b indicating the amount of light received.

[0063] The controller 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7a, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 7b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 7c. The ROM 7b stores the programs and data necessary for the CPU 7a to execute various control functions. The RAM 7c temporarily stores data used by the CPU 7a when executing programs.

[0064] Subsequently, referring to Figure 4 The process performed by controller 7 is described below. Note that the process performed when a recording command for a roll of sheet material is received, wherein the recording command is used to record an image on the roll of sheet material R.

[0065] The controller 7 first determines whether a recording command for rolling sheet material, including image data or similar data, has been received from an external device such as a PC (personal computer) (S1). If it is determined that no recording command has been received (S1: No), the controller 7 repeats the process of S1.

[0066] If a recording command is received (S1: Yes), the controller 7 sends a signal related to light emission to the light emitting element 20a and determines whether a signal indicating the amount of light received is received from the light receiving element 20b. That is, the controller 7 determines whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 12 by receiving the signal indicating the amount of light received (S2).

[0067] If no signal indicating the amount of light received is received (S2: No), the controller 7 determines that the roll sheet R is not supported on the support 12 and displays an image on the display 9 indicating that the roll sheet R is not contained in the sheet feed cassette 1, thereby notifying the user (S3). Then, based on the determination result in S2, the controller 7 does not allow image recording on the sheet P and ends the process.

[0068] If a signal indicating the amount of light received is received (S2: Yes), the controller 7 determines whether the remaining quantity of sheet P is empty based on the received light quantity (S4). If it is determined that the remaining quantity of sheet P is empty (S4: Yes), the controller 7 displays an image indicating that the remaining quantity of sheet P in the roll of sheet R is empty on the display 9, thereby notifying the user (S5). Then, the controller 7 ends the process.

[0069] If it is determined that the remaining amount of sheet P is not empty (S4: No), the controller 7 determines whether the remaining amount of sheet P is nearly empty based on the signal representing the amount of light received (S6). If it is determined that the remaining amount of sheet P is nearly empty (S6: Yes), the controller 7 displays an image on the display 9 indicating that the remaining amount of sheet P in the roll of sheet R is nearly empty (low remaining amount), thereby notifying the user (S7).

[0070] After processing in S7, controller 7 determines whether the remaining amount of sheet P of roll sheet R in the near-empty state is equal to or greater than the expected usage (the length of sheet P for recording in relation to the recording command, derived from the image data included in the recording command received in S1) (S8).

[0071] If the remaining amount of sheet P is determined to be less than the expected amount to be used (S8: No), controller 7 terminates the process. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of sheet P is determined to be equal to or greater than the expected amount to be used (S8: Yes), controller 7 proceeds to S9.

[0072] If, in S6, it is determined that the remaining amount of sheet P is not nearly empty (S6: No), or in S8, it is determined that the remaining amount of sheet P is equal to or greater than the expected usage (S8: Yes), controller 7 performs recording processing (S9). That is, if, in S2, it is determined that the roll of sheet R is supported and the process then proceeds to S9, controller 7 allows image recording. In S9, based on the recording command received in S1, controller 7 causes sheet feeding unit 2 and conveying unit 3 to convey sheet P, causes head 5 to record an image on sheet P, and causes cutting unit 4 to cut sheet P. In this way, the process ends after the recording processing is performed.

[0073] As described above, according to the sheet feed cassette 1 and printer 100 of the first embodiment, the support portion 12 supports the roll sheet R by contacting the outer peripheral surface (lower semicircular region Ra) of the lower part of the roll sheet R. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform an operation to adjust the position of the roll sheet R, which facilitates the replacement operation of the roll sheet R. Moreover, based on the signal output from the optical sensor 20, it is determined whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 12 (S2). If it is determined that the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 12, image recording is allowed on the sheet P of the roll sheet R (S2: Yes), and if it is determined that the roll sheet R is not supported on the support portion 12, image recording is not allowed on the sheet P of the roll sheet R (S2: No). For this reason, when an image is recorded on the sheet P of the roll sheet R (S9), even when the cut sheet K is contained in the sheet feed box 1, it is possible to prevent the image from being mistakenly recorded on the cut sheet K, thus wasting the cut sheet K, the recording agent (ink), and time.

[0074] The support portion 12 is configured to support the roll sheet R by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the roll sheet R at two contact positions Ra1 and Ra2, where the lower end of the roll sheet R is clamped along the horizontal direction B at the two contact positions. That is, the lower end of the roll sheet R is located between the two contact positions Ra1 and Ra2 along the horizontal direction B. Therefore, even when the roll sheet R rotates about the rotation axis Rx, it is difficult for the roll sheet R to fall off the support portion 12.

[0075] Additionally, the support portion 12 includes two rollers 14 and 15, which are rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis Rx, and simultaneously contact the lower outer peripheral surface of the roll material R at two contact positions Ra1 and Ra2. This allows the roll material R to be supported from below while enabling it to rotate smoothly about its rotation axis.

[0076] An optical sensor 20 is arranged below two contact positions Ra1 and Ra2 on the outer peripheral surface of the rolled sheet R, where the two rollers 14 and 15 form contact, to detect the lower end of the rolled sheet R. Thus, the lower end of the rolled sheet R supported on the support 12 can be detected by the optical sensor 20. Furthermore, when the rolled sheet R has a sheet P wound on a core member Rc, and the light reflectivity of the core member Rc and the sheet P are different, when the rolled sheet is in a near-empty state, for example, with only one turn of sheet P wound on the core member Rc, light reflected from sheet P and from the core member Rc via sheet P is received, making it possible to detect a near-empty state where the remaining amount of sheet P in the rolled sheet R is small. Additionally, by detecting the end point of sheet P (the boundary between sheet P and the core member Rc), an empty state where there is no remaining amount of sheet P in the rolled sheet R can also be detected.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the optical sensor 20 is arranged on the bottom 11a of the tray 11, but it can also be arranged on, for example, the support base 13. In the first modified embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, except for its placement, optical sensor 220 has a similar construction to optical sensor 20. Components similar to those in the above embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0078] In this modified embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the optical sensor 220 is arranged on the inclined surface 13b1 of the base portion 13b of the support base 13. Furthermore, the optical sensor 220 is arranged to face the sheet P unwound from the roll sheet R and following the inclined surface 13b1, and is configured to detect the sheet P, wherein the roll sheet R is supported on the support base 13 via two rollers 14 and 15. More specifically, the optical sensor 220 further includes a light emitting element 220a and a light receiving element 220b. Figure 5 As shown by the solid arrow Y3, the light emitting element 220a is configured to emit light toward the sheet P unwound from the roll sheet R. Figure 5 As shown by the solid arrow Y3 in the diagram, the light receiving element 220b is configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting element 220a and reflected on the sheet P. Note that when the sheet P of the roll of sheet R is depleted, the light emitted from the light emitting element 220a is not received by the light receiving element 220b. Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown, in the case where the cut sheet K, instead of the roll sheet R, is arranged to overlap with the support base 13, even when light emitted from the light emitting element 20a is reflected on the cut sheet K, the reflected light is deflected from the light receiving element 220b toward the roller 16 and is not received by the light receiving element 220b, as... Figure 5 The double-dotted arrow Y4 is shown in the diagram. Even when the support base 13 is removed from the bottom surface 11a1 of the tray 11 and the cut sheet K is then placed on the bottom surface 11a1, the optical sensor 220 itself is disassembled, making it impossible to detect the sheet P.

[0079] In this manner, the optical sensor 220 is arranged on the inclined surface 13b1, enabling the detection of the presence of sheet P unwound from the roll sheet R. For this reason, similar to the processing in S2 of the above embodiment, the controller 7 can determine whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 12 by receiving a signal representing the amount of light received. Therefore, similar to the above embodiment, when an image is recorded on sheet P of the roll sheet R, although the cut sheet K is contained in the sheet feed cassette 1, it is possible to suppress the situation where the image is mistakenly recorded on the cut sheet K, thus wasting the cut sheet K, recording agent (ink), and time. In addition, since it is possible to detect that sheet P has been used up, it is possible to detect that sheet P of the roll sheet R is empty.

[0080] In the first embodiment and the first modified embodiment, the rolled sheet R is supported on the support base 13 by two rollers 14 and 15. However, the support base 13 can be detached from the bottom 11a, the support portion 212 can be formed directly on the bottom 11a of the tray 11, and the rolled sheet R can be supported on the support portion 212. In the second modified embodiment, the support portion 212 has an upwardly open concave shape, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, the support portion 212 has two inclined surfaces 212a and 212b and a groove portion 212c disposed between the inclined surfaces 212a and 212b, and extends longitudinally in the axial direction of the rotation axis Rx of the coiled sheet R. The two inclined surfaces 212a and 212b are positioned above the groove portion 212c and near the opening of the support portion 212, and the lower ends of the two inclined surfaces 212a and 212b are respectively connected to the upper end of the groove portion 212c. The inclined surface 212a is arranged upstream of the rotation axis Rx of the coiled sheet R supported on the support portion 212 in terms of the unwinding direction A. Figure 6 On the left side of the unwinding direction A, the inclined surface 212b is positioned downstream of the axis of rotation Rx of the coiled sheet R supported on the support 212 in the unwinding direction A. Figure 6On the right side of the support 212, the two inclined surfaces 212a and 212b are inclined such that their height from the bottom surface 11a1 increases in the horizontal direction B with increasing distance from the rotation axis Rx. The roll sheet R is arranged on the inclined surfaces 212a and 212b such that the roll sheet R contacts the inclined surfaces 212a and 212b at two contact positions Ra3 and Ra4 on the lower outer peripheral surface (lower semicircular region Ra) of the roll sheet R, and is stably arranged in the tray 11. Note that the inclined surfaces 212a and 212b may be provided with rollers for supporting the roll sheet R, and the rollers may support the lower outer peripheral surface of the roll sheet R. Similar to the optical sensor 20, the optical sensor 320 is arranged at the center of the groove portion 212c in the axial direction of the rotation axis Rx.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the optical sensor 320 of this modified embodiment is positioned facing the lower end of the roll sheet R supported on two inclined surfaces 212a and 212b, and is configured to detect the lower end of the roll sheet R. More specifically, the optical sensor 320 further includes a light emitting element 320a and a light receiving element 320b. Figure 6 As shown by the solid arrow Y5 in the diagram, the light emitting element 320a is configured to emit light toward the outer peripheral surface of the roll sheet R. (As...) Figure 6 As shown by the solid arrow Y5, the light receiving element 320b is configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting element 320a and reflected off the outer peripheral surface of the roll sheet R. Note that the optical sensor 320 in this modified embodiment is configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting element 320a by the light receiving element 320b, similar to the optical sensor 20 in the above embodiment. That is, the controller 7 is configured to determine, based on the signal from the optical sensor 320, whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 212, whether the sheet P is in a near-empty state, and whether the sheet P is in an empty state. Figure 6 As shown, when the cut sheet K, instead of the rolled sheet R, is arranged on the bottom 11a of the tray 11, although the light emitted from the light emitting element 320a is reflected on the cut sheet K, the reflected light is directed toward the inclined surface 212b and is not received by the light receiving element 320b, as... Figure 6 The double-dotted arrow Y6 is shown in the image.

[0082] In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the support portion 212 supports the roll sheet R by contacting the outer peripheral surface (lower semicircular region Ra) of the lower part of the roll sheet R. For this reason, there is no need to adjust the position of the roll sheet R, which facilitates the replacement operation of the roll sheet R. Moreover, it is determined whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 312 based on the signal output from the optical sensor 320. Therefore, similar to the above embodiment, when an image is recorded on the sheet P of the roll sheet R, even when the cut sheet K is contained in the sheet feed cassette 1, the situation of incorrectly recording the image on the cut sheet K and thus wasting the cut sheet K, recording agent (ink), and time can be suppressed.

[0083] In the first embodiment and the first and second modified embodiments, the roll sheet R is detected by optical sensors 20, 220, and 320. However, whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 412 can also be determined by pressure sensor 420. In the third modified embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, the support 412 is composed of two plate-shaped members 412a and 412b arranged on the bottom 11a of the tray 11. The plate-shaped members 412a and 412b extend longitudinally in the axial direction of the rotation axis Rx of the rolled sheet R and are arranged separately from each other in the horizontal direction B. In this modified embodiment, the plate-shaped members 412a and 412b are formed to be larger than the width of the sheet P (i.e., the rolled sheet R). The plate-shaped member 412a is arranged upstream of the rotation axis Rx of the rolled sheet R in terms of the unwinding direction A. Figure 7 On the left side of the coiled sheet (in the unwinding direction). The plate-shaped member 412a has an inclined surface 412a1 that slopes downward toward the unwinding direction A. The plate-shaped member 412b is arranged downstream of the axis of rotation Rx of the coiled sheet R in the unwinding direction (in the unwinding direction). Figure 7 On the right side of the plate (in the middle). The plate member 412b has an inclined surface 412b1 that is inclined upward toward the unwinding direction A. In other words, the two inclined surfaces 412a1 and 412b1 of the plate members 412a and 412b are inclined respectively, such that the height from the bottom surface 11a1 increases in the horizontal direction B as the distance from the rotation axis Rx increases. The coiled sheet R is arranged on the inclined surfaces 412a1 and 412b1, such that the coiled sheet R makes contact with the inclined surfaces 412a1 and 412b1 at two contact positions Ra5 and Ra6 on the lower outer peripheral surface (lower semicircular region Ra) of the coiled sheet R, and is stably arranged in the tray 11.

[0084] In the third modified embodiment, the pressure sensor 420 is arranged on the bottom 11a of the tray 11. More specifically, the pressure sensor 420 is arranged between the plate-like members 412a and 412b, at a location where the pressure sensor can contact the lower end of the rolled sheet R supported by the support 412. The pressure sensor 420 is, for example, a known sheet-like pressure distribution sensor having a plurality of pressure-sensitive parts arranged in a matrix shape, and is configured to output a signal related to the pressure applied to each pressure-sensitive part to the controller 7. That is, when a portion of the pressure sensor 420 (i.e., the central portion of the pressure sensor 420 in the horizontal direction B) is pressed by the lower end of the rolled sheet R, the pressure sensor 420 outputs a pressure-related signal to the controller 7, the signal indicating that the pressure at the central position of the pressure sensor 420 is higher than the pressure at other positions. Therefore, the controller 7 can determine whether the rolled sheet R is supported on the support 412. Figure 7 As shown by the double-dotted line, when the cut sheet K, instead of the roll sheet R, is housed in the tray 11, the cut sheet K is arranged on the plate-shaped members 412a and 412b. For this reason, since the cut sheet K does not press against the pressure sensor 420, no signal is output from the pressure sensor 420 to the controller 7. Note that when the support 412 is removed from the tray 11 and the cut sheet K is arranged on the bottom 11a, since the cut sheet K presses against the entire pressure sensor 420, a signal indicating that the pressure sensor 420 is being pressed is output from the pressure sensor 420 to the controller 7. For this reason, the controller 7 can determine whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support 412.

[0085] In this embodiment, similar to the embodiments described above, the support portion 412 is configured to support the roll sheet R, and the support portion 412 contacts the outer peripheral surface (lower semicircular region Ra) of the lower part of the roll sheet R. For this reason, it is not necessary to adjust the position of the roll sheet R, which facilitates the replacement operation of the roll sheet R. Furthermore, based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 420, it can be determined whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 412. Therefore, similar to the embodiments described above, when an image is recorded on the sheet P of the roll sheet R, even when the cut sheet K is contained in the sheet feed cassette 1, it is possible to prevent the image from being incorrectly recorded on the cut sheet K, thus wasting the cut sheet K, recording agent (ink), and time.

[0086] Although a first embodiment of this disclosure has been described, it should be understood that various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, in the first embodiment, it is not necessarily necessary to perform the processes S4 to S8 in the control flow. That is, the controller 7 can determine in S2 whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 12, and if it is determined that the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 12 (S2: Yes), image recording on the sheet P can be permitted, and if it is determined that the roll sheet R is not supported on the support portion 12 (S2: No), image recording on the sheet P can be prohibited.

[0087] In the first embodiment, in addition to the optical sensor 20, an optical sensor 220 of the first modified embodiment may be further provided. Therefore, even if one sensor fails, since the roll sheet R can be detected by another sensor, it is possible to more reliably detect whether the roll sheet R is supported on the support portion 12.

[0088] Alternatively, the roll material R can also be a coreless roll material without a core member Rc. This disclosure can be applied to all media cartridges capable of accommodating the roll material R.

[0089] [Second Embodiment] <Overall Structure of Image Recording Device>

[0090] Figure 8 The overall structure of an image recording device 1001 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 The image recording apparatus 1001 includes an apparatus body 1002. Within the apparatus body 1002, a supply unit 1003, a transport unit 1004, an image forming unit 1005, and a discharge unit 1008 are provided. Note that the image forming unit 1005 is an example of a recording unit. The side on which the discharge unit 1008 is located is the front side of the image recording apparatus 1001, and the side on which the transport unit 1004 is located is the rear side of the image recording apparatus 1001. The side on which the supply unit 1003 is located is the lower side of the image recording apparatus 1001, and the side on which the image forming unit 1005 is located is the upper side of the image recording apparatus 1001.

[0091] <Supply Unit>

[0092] The supply unit 1003 includes a cassette 1030 and a feeder roller 1032 that are detachably mounted to the lower part of the equipment body 1002. Note that the cassette 1030 is an example of a media cassette.

[0093] The lower part of the cartridge 1030 is provided with a bottom 1030A. The bottom 1030A has a planar portion 1030a, a recess 1030b, and a planar portion 1030c, which are all substantially planar in shape, extending from the front side to the rear side of the image recording device 1001. The planar portion 1030a and the planar portion 1030c are substantially flush with each other. The recess 1030b is recessed further downward than the planar portions 1030a and 1030c.

[0094] The box 1030 has a housing 1030B that forms the outer shell. The housing 1030B can accommodate either the sheet S1 that is the target for image formation or the roll R1 that can unwind the roll sheet RS1. Figure 8 The description covers the case where sheet S1 is housed within housing 1030B of cartridge 1030. Note that sheet S1 is an example of a monolithic medium. Figure 8 As shown, with sheet S1 housed in case cassette 1030, multiple sheets S1, generally horizontally placed, are stacked vertically. The bottommost sheet S1 is positioned to contact the flat portion 1030a and the flat portion 1030c, but not the recess 1030b. That is, the multiple sheets S1 are stacked in case cassette 1030, with a gap between the bottommost sheet S1 and the recess 1030b. Note that cassette 1030 has the aforementioned detachable structure, such that an opening OP1 is provided between the device body 1002 and the upper end of the wall surface of the housing 1030B on the front side of the image recording device 1001, through which the interior and exterior of the housing 1030B communicate. The front side of the image recording device 1001 is an example of one side in the front-rear direction.

[0095] Notice, Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the case where the sheet RS1 is housed within the housing 1030B of the cassette 1030. In this configuration, the roll R1, having the sheet RS1 wound on the winding core RC1, is rotatably arranged within the cassette 1030. Specifically, when the sheet RS1 is unwound from the roll R1 and conveyed, the roll R1 rotates in the direction of the indicated arrow while remaining in a state where its lower end is inserted into the recess 1030b. Viewed from above, the recess 1030b has a rectangular shape with its length direction oriented laterally. In this example, the recess 1030b is arranged such that the long side of the rectangle is parallel to the axis k1 of the winding core RC1. The lowermost sheet RS1 of the roll R1 is positioned to contact the recess 1030b, and as the sheet RS1 is consumed and the diameter of the roll R1 decreases, the position of the axis K1 decreases.

[0096] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the middle, the feeder roller 1032 is disposed on the rear side of the roll R1, and the lower end of the roll R1 is inserted into the recess 1030b, such as Figure 9As shown in the diagram. The rear side of the image recording apparatus 1001 is an example of the other side in the front-rear direction. In the image recording apparatus 1001, a conveying path L1 is formed from the feeder roller 1032 via the conveying unit 1004 and the image forming unit 1005 to the discharge unit 1008. When the sheet S1 is held in the cassette 1030, the feeder roller 1032 picks up the sheet S1 in the cassette 1030 one sheet at a time and conveys these sheets along the conveying path L1 toward the conveying unit 1004 and the image forming unit 1005. When the roll R1 is held in the recess 1030b of the cassette 1030, the feeder roller 1032 conveys the roll sheet RS1 unwound from the roll R1 rotating in the recess 1030b along the conveying path L1 toward the conveying unit 1004 and the image forming unit 1005.

[0097] <Conveying Unit>

[0098] The conveying unit 1004 is configured to hold and convey the sheet S1 or roll RS1 supplied from the supply unit 1003 to the image forming unit 1005. The conveying unit 1004 includes a conveying roller 1033a driven by a motor (not shown) and a registration roller 1034. The conveying roller 1033a is configured to apply a conveying force to the sheet S1 or roll RS1. The sheet S1 or roll RS1, conveyed from the feeder roller 1032 toward the conveying roller 1033a, is sandwiched between the conveying roller 1033a and the paper dust removal roller 1033b, and conveyed along the conveying path L1 toward the registration roller 1034. The registration roller 1034 corrects the orientation of the sheet S1 or roll RS1, and then conveys the sheet S1 or roll RS1 to the image forming unit 1005.

[0099] <Image Forming Unit>

[0100] The image forming unit 1005 is configured to form a printed image on the sheet S1 or roll sheet RS1 conveyed from the transport unit 1004 using a known electrophotographic method, inkjet method, thermal transfer method, or similar method. The sheet S1 or roll sheet RS1 conveyed from the image forming unit 1005 toward the transport rollers 1037 is sandwiched between the transport rollers 1037 and conveyed along the transport path L1 toward the discharge roller 1081.

[0101] <Discharge Unit>

[0102] The discharge unit 1008 is configured to discharge the sheet S1 or roll sheet RS1, on which an image is formed and discharged from the image forming unit 1005, to the outside of the image recording device 1001. The discharge unit 1008 includes a discharge roller 1081, a discharge roller 1082, a discharge outlet 1083, and a discharge tray 1084. The discharge roller 1081 is configured to rotate by power from the aforementioned motor and convey the sheet S1 or roll sheet RS1 discharged from the image forming unit 1005 toward the discharge tray 1084. Note that when discharging the roll sheet RS1 on which an image is formed, the user cuts a portion of the roll sheet RS1 discharged to the discharge tray 1084 using a serrated cutting blade (not shown) provided on the discharge outlet 1083.

[0103] Note that the optical sensor 1210 and the protective rib 1220 will be described later.

[0104] <Control System>

[0105] The operation of each unit of the image recording device 1001 (including the rotation and stopping of the motor) is controlled by the ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) 1020. Figure 10 A block diagram depicts the control system of the image recording device 1001, which includes an ASIC 1020. (As shown...) Figure 10 As shown, ASIC 1020 includes CPU 1100. ASIC 1020 is connected to ROM 1110, RAM 1120, a touch panel 1130 configured to perform the desired display and operable by the user, image forming unit 1005, rotation drive circuitry 1150, modem 1160, network controller 1170, and optical sensor 1210, which will be described later. Note that CPU 1100 is an example of a controller.

[0106] The ROM 1110 stores various control programs necessary for the operation of the image recording device 1001, including those for executing... Figure 15 , Figure 17 and Figure 20 The control program for each flowchart shown will be described later. CPU 1100 is configured to control each unit according to the program read from ROM 1110 and execute it. Figure 15 , Figure 17 and Figure 20 Each of the flowcharts shown will be described later.

[0107] CPU 1100 is further configured to output print instruction signals to image forming unit 1005 via ASIC 1020, thereby instructing image forming unit 1005 to form an image on sheet S1 or roll sheet RS1. CPU 1100 is further configured to output drive control signals to rotation drive circuit 1150 configured to control motor rotation via ASIC 1020, thereby controlling motor rotation. CPU 1100 is further configured to control network controller 1170 via ASIC 1020, thereby sending information to and receiving information from external terminal 1300 via wired or wireless network communication.

[0108] <Optical Sensors>

[0109] As described above, in the image recording apparatus 1001 of this embodiment, the sheet S1 or the roll sheet RS1 can be selectively housed in the cassette 1030 of the supply unit 1003. The optical sensor 1210 is configured to identify whether either the sheet S1 or the roll sheet RS1 is housed.

[0110] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the optical sensor 1210 is disposed at an angle relative to the vertical direction on a portion of the device body 1002 located above the housing 1030. The optical sensor 1210 is a reflective sensor, comprising a light emitting unit 1211a and a light receiving unit 1211b. The light emitting unit 1211a is configured to emit emitted light, and the light receiving unit 1211b is capable of receiving reflected light from the emitted light emitted by the light emitting unit 1211a. The optical sensor 1210 has a structure in which, for example, the light emitting unit 1211a and the light receiving unit 1211b are embedded in a sensor amplifier, wherein each of the light emitting unit 1211a and the light receiving unit 1211b is composed of an optical element such as an LED. The optical sensor 1210 is configured to be in a low state (light receiving potential V = VL) when the light receiving unit 1211b receives reflected light, and in a high state (light receiving potential V = VH) when the light receiving unit 1211b does not receive reflected light. Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, this will be described later.

[0111] Note that a protective rib 1220 is provided in the lower part of the device body 1002, which is located above the housing 1030 and further forward of the image recording device 1001 than the optical sensor 1210. The protective rib 1220 extends in the left-right direction, and the lower end of the protective rib 1220 in the vertical direction is lower than the lower end of the optical sensor 1210 in the vertical direction.

[0112] <Behavior of light when the sheet is contained>

[0113] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 Describes the detection behavior of the optical sensor 1210 when the sheet S1 is housed in the box 1030. For example... Figure 11 As shown, in a side cross-sectional view perpendicular to the sheet surface of sheet S1, the optical sensor 1210 is arranged at an angle such that the optical axis ka1 of the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a forms a predetermined acute angle θ1 with respect to the axis kp1 perpendicular to the sheet surface of sheet S1. That is, the light emitting unit 1211a has directionality in a predetermined direction, and the light intensity is maximum in that direction. The direction of maximum light intensity is the direction of the optical axis ka1 of the light emitting unit 1211a.

[0114] The optical sensor 1210 is arranged at an angle as described above, such that after the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the surface of the uppermost sheet S1 mounted in the housing 1030, the reflected light Lb1 is reflected in the opposite direction to the optical sensor 1210 relative to the axis kp1, and therefore does not incident on the light receiving unit 1211b. Therefore, the light receiving potential V, which is the detection signal output from the optical sensor 1210 to the ASIC 1020, is always substantially constant (V = VH) in any of the time periods (I), (II), and (III), and is independent of the elapsed time i, such as... Figure 12 As shown in the diagram. Note that time period (I) corresponds to the state where the sheet S1 in cartridge 1030 has not yet been consumed. Time period (II) corresponds to the state where the sheet S1 in cartridge 1030 is gradually consumed when the user uses the image recording device 1001. Time period (III) corresponds to the state where the sheet S1 in cartridge 1030 is used up and there is no sheet S1 left.

[0115] <Behavior of light in a rolled-up state>

[0116] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 Describe the detection behavior of the optical sensor 1210 when the roll Rl is housed in the cartridge 1030. For example... Figure 13As shown, due to the inclined arrangement at a predetermined angle θ1 as described above, the optical sensor 1210 is arranged such that the optical axis ka1 of the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a substantially points towards the axis k1 of the winding core RC1 of the roll R1. Therefore, after the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the surface of the outermost roll sheet RS1 of the roll R1, the reflected light Lb1 travels toward the optical sensor 1210 and is incident on the light receiving unit 1211b. In other words, the optical sensor 1210 is arranged such that the optical axis ka1 of the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is inclined at a certain angle, at which the reflected light Lb1 from the sheet S1 is not received by the light receiving unit 1211b, while the reflected light Lb1 from the roll sheet RS1 is received by the light receiving unit 1211b. Therefore, in the image recording device 1001, it is possible to identify whether the roll sheet RS1 or the sheet S1 is arranged in the cassette 1030 based on the light receiving behavior in the light receiving unit 1211b.

[0117] As a result of the light-receiving behavior of the reflected light Lbl from the roll sheet RS1, the light-receiving potential V, which is output as a detection signal from the optical sensor 1210 to the ASIC 1020, has Figure 14 The behavior is as shown. That is, during the time period (I) when the roll sheet RS1 is not consumed, the light receiving potential V is basically constant (V = VL). During the time period (II), as time i increases, the light receiving potential V exhibits a behavior represented by a rightward linear increase from VL to VH, that is, a behavior that increases substantially proportionally to the consumption of the roll sheet RS1. The reason for this is that as the roll sheet RS1 is consumed and the diameter of the roll sheet R1 decreases, the distance from the optical sensor 1210 to the roll sheet R1 increases, so the optical path length from the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1211a after being reflected on the surface of the outermost roll sheet RS1 until it is received by the light receiving unit 1211b gradually increases. Therefore, in the image recording device 1001, by acquiring the behavior of the light receiving potential V in the time period (II), the consumption amount, in other words, the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1 of R1, can be detected. During the period (III) when the roll sheet RS1 in box 1030 is used up and no longer exists, the optical receiving potential V is basically constant (V = VH).

[0118] Note that, as Figure 13As shown, in the front-rear positional relationship of the image recording device 1001, the opening OP1 is located on the side of the image recording device 1001 further forward than the roll R1, and the optical sensor 1210 is located on the side of the image recording device 1001 further rearward than the opening OP1 and also on the side of the image recording device 1001 further forward than the roll R1. Furthermore, the protective rib 1220 is located on the side of the image recording device 1001 further rearward than the opening OP1 and also on the side of the image recording device 1001 further forward than the optical sensor 1210.

[0119] <Control Process>

[0120] As an example of a method for implementing the above method, see [reference]. Figure 15 The flowchart shown describes the control process executed by CPU1100.

[0121] First, in S10, it is determined whether the reflected light Lbl is received by the light receiving unit 1211b. If it is received, the result is determined to be "yes", and the process proceeds to S20. In S20, it is identified that the roll sheet RS1 is contained in the box 1030.

[0122] Then, in S30, the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1 of roll R1 is determined based on the amount of light received by the reflected light Lb1 in the light receiving unit 1211b. In the image recording device 1001, for example, the correlation between the amount of light received by the reflected light Lb1 and the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1 is pre-stored in an appropriate location such as ROM 1110. In S30, the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1 is determined by referring to this correlation. The process of S30 is an example for determining the remaining amount of the roll medium.

[0123] In S40, it is determined whether the remaining quantity of the roll sheet RS1 is zero. If the remaining quantity is not zero and the result is therefore "no", the process returns to S30. If the remaining quantity of the roll sheet RS1 is zero and the result is therefore "yes", the process proceeds to S50. In S50, a predetermined alarm notification indicating that the roll sheet RS1 has been used up is executed, and the process ends.

[0124] On the other hand, when it is determined in S10 that no reflected light Lbl is received, the determination result is "No", and the process proceeds to S60. In S60, it is identified that the sheet S1 is contained in the cartridge 1030, and then the process ends. The processing of S60 is an example of determining that a single sheet of media is contained in a media cartridge, and the processing of S20 is an example of determining that a roll of media is contained in a media cartridge.

[0125] <Effects of the Second Embodiment>

[0126] As described above, in the second embodiment, the optical sensor 1210 is arranged such that the optical axis ka1 of the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is tilted. Due to this tilt, when the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the roll sheet RS1 in the cassette 1030, the reflected light Lb1 is received by the light receiving unit 1211b, and when the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the sheet S1 in the cassette 1030, the reflected light Lb1 is not received. By utilizing this difference, when the light receiving unit 1211b receives the reflected light Lb1, the CPU 1100 determines that the roll sheet RS1 is contained in the cassette 1030, and when the light receiving unit 1211b does not receive the reflected light Lb1, the CPU 1100 determines that the sheet S1 is contained in the cassette 1030.

[0127] Furthermore, as described above, the optical sensor 1210 is configured such that the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the roll sheet RS1, and the reflected light Lb1 is received by the light receiving unit 1211b. Therefore, when the roll sheet RS1 is consumed and the remaining amount decreases, the diameter of the roll R1 containing the roll sheet RS1 decreases, thus lengthening the optical path length from when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the roll sheet RS1 until it returns to the light receiving unit 1211b, thereby reducing the amount of light received. By using this property, when the CPU 1100 determines that the roll sheet RS1 is contained in the housing 1030, the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1 is determined based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 1211b.

[0128] In this way, in the image recording apparatus 1001 of the second embodiment, a single optical sensor 1210 can be used to perform the following two tasks: identifying whether sheet S1 or roll sheet RS1 is set; and detecting the remaining amount when roll sheet RS1 is set. As a result, the increased manufacturing cost and larger device size caused by setting two sensors can be avoided.

[0129] Furthermore, when the sheet S1 is housed in the housing 1030, if the light emitting unit 1211a directly faces the sheet S1, the reflected light Lb1 reflected from the sheet S1 is received by the light receiving unit 1211b. In this embodiment, specifically, the optical axis ka1 of the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is not arranged in a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of the sheet S1, but rather arranged to form an acute angle θ1 relative to the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of the sheet S1. Therefore, when the emitted light La1 emitted from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the sheet S1, the reflected light Lb1 does not return directly towards the optical sensor 1210, but returns in a deviated direction. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the sheet S1 is housed in the housing 1030, the reflected light Lb1 reflected from the sheet S1 can be reliably prevented from being received by the light receiving unit 1211b.

[0130] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the optical sensor 1210 is specifically arranged on the side of the image recording device 1001 further rearward than the opening OP1 of the housing 1030B of the cartridge 1030, and on the side of the image recording device 1001 further forward than the roll R1. That is, the opening OP1, the optical sensor 1210, and the roll R1 are arranged in a corresponding order from the front to the rear of the image recording device 1001. At this time, since the optical sensor 1210 is arranged at an angle, the reflected light Lb1 from the roll sheet RS1 is received by the light receiving unit 1211b, which, based on the arrangement order, is positioned with its back facing the opening OP1. Therefore, even when external light enters the housing 1030B through the opening OP1, the optical sensor 1210 is unlikely to be affected by the external light, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0131] In the second embodiment, the roll sheet RS1 contained in the cartridge 1030 is specifically conveyed by a feeder roller 1032 arranged on the image recording device 1001 further rearward than the roll R1. During conveying by the feeder roller 1032, paper dust may be generated due to friction between the feeder roller 1032 and the roll sheet RS1. However, since the optical sensor 1210 is arranged on the image recording device 1001 further forward than the roll R1 (which is the opposite side of the feeder roller 1032) and far away from the feeder roller 1032, the adverse effects of paper dust on detection accuracy can be suppressed.

[0132] In addition, in the second embodiment, the cassette 1030 is specifically detachably mounted to the device body 1002. Thus, when the roll of sheet RS1 or sheet S1 in the cassette 1030 is consumed, the user can remove the cassette 1030 from the device body 1002 and replenish the cassette 1030 with new rolls of sheet R1 or sheets S1.

[0133] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the protective rib 1220 is specifically provided on the side of the image recording device 1001 that is further forward than the optical sensor 1210, and the lower end of the protective rib 1220 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the optical sensor 1210. Therefore, when the user installs or removes the housing 1030 from the front side of the image recording device 1001 relative to the device body 1002, it can prevent the user's hand from accidentally touching the optical sensor 1210.

[0134] <Modified Implementation Example>

[0135] Note that various modifications can be made to the second embodiment without departing from its main theme and technical spirit. Such modified embodiments are described below in sequence.

[0136] (1) Even when residual quantity is detected for sheet materials

[0137] As described above, with the sheet S1 housed in the housing 1030, if the light emitting unit 1211a directly faces the sheet S1, the reflected light Lb1 reflected from the sheet S1 is received by the light receiving unit 1211b. From this perspective, in this modified embodiment, as... Figure 16 As shown, the optical sensor 1210 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 1213, which serves as a support point. With the sheet S1 housed in the housing 1030, the rotation of the motor 1214 is transmitted to the rotation axis 1213 to change the orientation of the optical sensor 1210, and the optical axis ka1 of the emitted light La1 from the light emitting unit 1211a is variably adjusted to a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of the sheet S1. Note that the motor 1214 and the rotation axis 1213 are examples of adjustment mechanisms. Therefore, as described above, the remaining amount of sheet S1 in the housing 1030 is obtained based on the light receiving behavior of the reflected light Lbl in the light receiving unit 1211b. Note that instead of the motor 1214, the orientation of the optical sensor 1210 can also be changed by another actuator, such as a solenoid. In this case, the rotation axis 1213 and the actuator are examples of adjustment mechanisms.

[0138] <Control Process>

[0139] As an example of a method for implementing the above-described method of this modified embodiment, refer to Figure 17 The flowchart describes the control process executed by CPU1100. Figure 17 In the process, S70 to S100 were newly added. Figure 15 In the process.

[0140] That is, when it is identified in S60 that the sheet S1 is contained in the box 30, the process proceeds to S70. In S70, the motor 1214 is driven to adjust the tilt of the optical axis ka1 of the optical sensor 1210 to be perpendicular to the sheet surface of the sheet S1, in other words, so that the light receiving unit 1211b receives the reflected light Lb1 reflected from the sheet S1. The processing in S70 is an example of adjusting the tilt of the optical axis by controlling the adjustment mechanism so that the light receiving unit receives the reflected light from the monolithic medium.

[0141] Then, in S80, similar to S30, the remaining amount of sheet S1 is determined based on the amount of light received by the reflected light Lb1 in the light receiving unit 1211b. In the image recording apparatus 1001 of this modified embodiment, the correlation between the amount of light received by the reflected light Lb1 and the remaining amount of sheet S1 is pre-stored in an appropriate location such as ROM 1110. In S80, the remaining amount of sheet S1 is determined with reference to the correlation. The process of S80 is an example of determining the remaining amount of a single-piece medium.

[0142] Then, in S90, it is determined whether the remaining quantity of sheet S1 is zero. If it is determined that the remaining quantity is not zero and therefore the result is "no", the process returns to S80. If the remaining quantity of sheet S1 is zero and the result is therefore "yes", the process proceeds to S100. In S100, a predetermined alarm notification indicating that sheet S1 has been used up is executed, and the process ends.

[0143] <Effects of Modifying the Implementation Example>

[0144] In addition, in this modified embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the following two items can be performed by an optical sensor 1210: identifying which of the sheet S1 or the roll sheet RS1 is set; and detecting the remaining amount when the roll sheet RS1 is set.

[0145] In addition, in this modified embodiment, the tilt of the optical axis ka1 of the optical sensor 1210 can be adjusted. Thus, when the sheet S1 is housed in the cartridge 1030, the tilt of the optical axis ka1 is adjusted so that the light receiving unit 1211b receives the reflected light Lb1 from the sheet S1. By doing so, when the sheet S1 is consumed and the remaining amount becomes small, the loading height of the sheet S1 housed in the cartridge 1030 is reduced so that after the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the sheet S1, the light path length is increased until it returns to the light receiving unit 1211b, thereby reducing the amount of light received. By using this property, in this modified embodiment, the remaining amount of the sheet S1 is determined based on the amount of light received in the light receiving unit 1211b. As a result, in the image recording apparatus 1001 of this modified embodiment, the remaining amount can be detected not only when the roll of sheet RS1 is set in the cartridge 1030, but also when the sheet S1 is set in the cartridge 1030. Furthermore, at this time, for example, the portion of the planar portion 1030a of the cartridge 1030 that intersects with the optical axis ka1 and its surrounding area can be set to a light-absorbing color, such as black. In this case, when the sheet S1 in the cartridge 1030 is used up, the emitted light La1 collides with this portion and is absorbed, thus reducing the amount of reflected light Lb1 in the light receiving unit 1211. Therefore, the CPU 1100 can detect that the sheet in the cartridge 1030 has been used up.

[0146] Note that in the image recording device 1001, the sheet S1, for example, sheets such as A4, B5, and A3 sizes, can be used to record the desired image. Alternatively, various recording sheets can be arranged in the cartridge 1030 in the image recording device 1001. In this case, for example, a recording sheet SL1 with a minimum size of postcard can be used. In this case, areas AR2 and AR1 can overlap in the front-back direction of the image recording device 1001, where... Figure 18 The sheet SL1, which is recorded in region AR2, is arranged in cartridge 1030 via holder 1030d, while in region AR1... Figure 16 The sheet S1 is shown. Region AR1 is an example of a first region, and region AR2 is an example of a second region. In this example, the entire region AR2 is the overlapping portion. Furthermore, in this case, the arrangement of the optical sensor 1210 and the tilt of the optical axis ka1 are adjusted so that when the remaining amount of sheet S1 is detected, the emitted light La1 collides with the overlapping portion. By doing so, even in situations such as... Figure 18 In the arrangement of the recorded sheet SL1 shown, the remaining amount can also be detected in a similar manner as described above.

[0147] (2) Adjusting the tilt of the optical axis based on the reduction in the remaining amount of the roll sheet.

[0148] When the roll R1 containing the sheet RS1 is housed in the box 1030, two configurations can be used: a configuration in which the bottom of the roll R1 is rotatably supported without supporting the axis k1 of the roll R1; and a configuration in which the axis k1 of the roll R1 is rotatably supported. In the former configuration, as described above, as the remaining amount of the sheet RS1 decreases, the position of the axis k1 of the roll R1 decreases. As a result, the position and angle at which the emitted light La1 emitted from the light emitting unit 1211a collides with the outermost sheet RS1 of the roll R1 will change due to the decrease in the axis k1, making it impossible to accurately detect the remaining amount.

[0149] Therefore, in this modified embodiment, for example, when the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1 is sufficient and the diameter of the roll R1 is large ( Figure 19A Compared to when the sheet roll RS1 is smaller and the roll R1 diameter is smaller ( Figure 19B The tilt of the optical axis ka1 is further adjusted downwards. Specifically, in this example, as... Figure 19A and Figure 19B As shown, the optical axis ka1 is adjusted to be substantially oriented toward the axis k1 of roll R1.

[0150] <Control Process>

[0151] As an example of the method described above for this modified embodiment, refer to Figure 20 The flowchart describes the control process executed by CPU1100. Figure 20 In the process, S110 is newly added. Figure 17 In the process.

[0152] In other words, when it is determined in S40 that the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1 is not zero, the process proceeds to S110. In S110, the motor 1214 is driven to adjust the tilt of the optical axis ka1 of the optical sensor 1210 according to the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1. Specifically, as described above, the optical axis ka1 is adjusted to face the axis k1 of the roll R1. In the image recording device 1001, for example, the correlation between the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1 and the position of the axis k1 of the roll R1 is pre-stored in an appropriate location in the ROM 1110, etc. In S110, the tilt of the optical axis ka1 is adjusted with reference to the correlation. The processing of S110 is an example of adjusting the tilt of the optical axis by controlling the adjustment mechanism according to the change in the remaining amount of the roll sheet.

[0153] <Effects of Modifying the Implementation Example>

[0154] In addition, in this modified embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the following two items can be performed by an optical sensor 1210: identifying whether sheet S1 or roll sheet RS1 is set; and detecting the remaining amount when roll sheet RS1 is set. Furthermore, the CPU 1100 adjusts the tilt of the optical axis ka1 based on changes in the remaining amount of roll sheet RS1, enabling accurate detection of the remaining amount of roll sheet RS1.

[0155] (3) Other (Second Embodiment)

[0156] In the second embodiment, the housing 1030 is configured for both roll sheet RS1 and sheet S1. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. That is, a dedicated housing for roll sheet RS1 and a dedicated housing for sheet S1 can be provided separately, and these housings can be replaced and used relative to the device body 1002. In this case, as described above, the optical sensor 1210 is mounted at an angle such that when the dedicated housing for roll sheet RS1 is installed, the reflected light Lb1 is received by the light receiving unit 1211b, while when the dedicated housing for sheet S1 is installed, the reflected light Lb1 is not received. Therefore, by using this difference, the CPU 1100 determines whether the dedicated housing for roll sheet RS1 or the dedicated housing for sheet S1 is installed. When the dedicated housing for roll sheet RS1 is installed, the remaining amount of roll sheet RS1 is determined based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 1211b in a similar manner to that described above. Thus, an optical sensor 1210 can perform the following two tasks: identifying whether sheet S1 or roll sheet RS1 is set; and detecting the remaining amount when roll sheet RS1 is set.

[0157] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the configuration in which a cartridge 1030 is detachably mounted to the device body 1002 as a media cartridge. For example, similar to cartridge 1030, a media cartridge with a structure capable of selectively accommodating roll R1 or sheet S1 and securing it to the device body 1002 can also be used. In this case, the optical sensor 1210 is also arranged at an angle to achieve a similar effect.

[0158] In the second embodiment, as Figure 9As shown, the optical sensor 1210 is arranged on the side of the image recording device 1001 further forward than the roller R1, such that the optical axis ka1 is tilted towards the rear side of the image recording device 1001. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the optical sensor 1210 may be arranged on the side of the image recording device 1001 further backward than the roller R1, such that the optical axis ka1 is tilted towards the front side of the image recording device 1001. And in this case, if the emitted light La1 emitted from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the roll sheet RS1, the reflected light Lb1 is received by the light receiving unit 1211b, and if the emitted light La1 emitted from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the sheet S1 in the cassette 1030, the reflected light Lb1 is not received. Furthermore, the light receiving unit 1211b can receive the reflected light Lb1 generated when the emitted light La1 emitted from the light emitting unit 1211a is reflected on the roll sheet RS1, and use the reflected light to perform the detection of the remaining amount of the roll sheet RS1. As a result, the following two things can be performed by an optical sensor 1210: identification of whether the sheet S1 or the roll sheet RS1 is set; and detection of the remaining amount when the roll sheet RS1 is set.

[0159] In the above content, Figure 15 , Figure 17 and Figure 20 The flowchart shown should not be construed as limiting this disclosure to the processes shown in the flowchart, and processes may be added / removed or their order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical essence of this disclosure.

[0160] In addition to the above, the methods of the second embodiment and its modified embodiments can be appropriately combined and used.

[0161] [Third Embodiment]

[0162] Hereinafter, an inkjet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as "printer") according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, printer 2001 is configured in a usable state. Figure 21 The vertical direction is defined based on the state shown, the front-back direction is defined based on the state where the side with the opening 2013 of the housing 2011 is the front side, and the left-right direction is defined based on the state where the printer 2001 is seen from the front side.

[0163] like Figure 21As shown, printer 2001 mainly includes a feed box 2002, a feed unit 2003, a transport unit 2004, a cutting mechanism 2005, a recording unit 2006, an ejection tray 2007, and a controller 2008. The feed box 2002 is located below the recording unit 2006 within the housing 2011. The ejection tray 2007 is located in front of the recording unit 2006 within the housing 2011 and above the feed box 2002.

[0164] The feed box 2002 and discharge tray 2007 can be inserted into the housing 2011 in the front-to-back direction through the opening 2013. The feed box 2002 and discharge tray 2007 installed in the housing 2011 can also be removed in the front-to-back direction through the opening 2013. The housing 2011 is provided with a box detection sensor 2014 capable of detecting whether the feed box 2002 has been installed or removed.

[0165] The box detection sensor 2014 is a switch-type mechanical sensor that forms contact and separation with the feed box 2002 and is configured to output a signal to the controller 2008. When the feed box 2002 is installed, the box detection sensor 2014 contacts the feed box 2002, and the output signal becomes "on". When the feed box 2002 is removed, the box detection sensor 2014 separates from the feed box 2002, and the output signal becomes "off". The mechanism of the box detection sensor 2014 is not limited to this. For example, a non-contact sensor utilizing a photoelectric sensor can also be used.

[0166] The feed box 2002 can selectively accommodate either a roll sheet R2 (corresponding to the "roll medium" of this disclosure) or a cut sheet K2 (corresponding to the "single sheet medium" of this disclosure) of sheet P2. The roll sheet R2 has a structure formed by winding a long sheet P in a roll shape around the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical core member (paper tube) Rc2. For example... Figure 21 As shown, the feed box 2002 mainly includes: a tray 2021 having an upwardly opening box shape; a support 2022 configured to rotatably support the roll sheet R2 by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the roll sheet R2; a roll sheet detection sensor 2026; and a media rear end detection sensor 2027. Furthermore, a stop 2016 is provided at the rear of the area of ​​the feed box 2002 that contains the roll sheet R2. The stop 2016 can be supported by the housing 2011 or the feed box 2002.

[0167] The support 2022 is arranged on the front side of the bottom 2021b of the pallet 2021. Figure 21On the left side of the tray 2021. For the cut sheet K2, with the support 2022 removed from the tray 2021, the entire cut sheet K2 is supported on the support surface 2021b1, which is the upper surface of the bottom 2021b of the tray 2021. The cut sheet K2 is housed in the feed box 2002, its rear end coinciding with the rear end of the support surface 2021b1 of the tray 2021 (see [reference]). Figure 25B and 25C ).

[0168] The support section 2022 includes a support base 2023 and two rollers 2024 and 2025. The coiled sheet R2 is parallel to the left-right direction (perpendicular to) the axial direction. Figure 21 The rollers 2024 and 2025 are supported on the support 2022 in an orientation (as shown in the drawing). The support base 2023 is detachably mounted on the bottom 2021b of the tray 2021. The support base 2023 extends in the left-right direction. The rollers 2024 and 2025 are rotatably supported on the support base 2023 in an orientation parallel to the left-right direction.

[0169] The support base 2023 has: a first surface 2023a, which is an upward-facing horizontal surface; and a second surface 2023b, which is located in front of the first surface 2023a. Figure 21 The plane on the left side of the first surface 2023a; and the third surface 2023c, which is located behind the first surface 2023a. Figure 21 The second surface 2023b is a sloping surface such that the front side is positioned higher than the rear side, and its rear end is connected to the first surface 2023a. The third surface 2023c is a sloping surface such that the rear side is positioned higher than the front side, and its front end is connected to the first surface 2023a. A roller 2024 is arranged on the second surface 2023b. A roller 2025 is arranged on the third surface 2023c. Rollers 2024 and 2025 are configured to support the roll sheet R2 from below while in contact with the lower outer peripheral surface of the roll sheet R2.

[0170] In the feed box 2002, the sheet material R2 is disposed on rollers 2024 and 2025, so that the sheet material R2 can be supported on the support portion 2022. Therefore, for example, it is easier to perform the replacement operation of the sheet material R2 compared to a configuration in which the spool is configured to support the sheet material R2.

[0171] Here, examples of the coiled sheet R2 include coiled sheets whose rear ends are not fixed to the winding core Rc2 and coiled sheets whose rear ends are fixed to the winding core Rc2. When the coiled sheet R2 whose rear ends are not fixed to the winding core Rc2 is supported on the support portion 2022, when the sheet is used up, the rear end of the coiled sheet R2 separates from the winding core Rc2 and is fed backward by the feeding unit 2003, as will be described in detail later. On the other hand, when the coiled sheet R2 whose rear ends are fixed to the winding core Rc2 is supported on the support portion 2022, when the sheet is used up, the winding core Rc2 is pulled backward by the sheet P2 fed backward by the feeding unit 2003, causing it to move backward. The backward-moving winding core Rc2 separates from the support portion 2022 and comes into contact with the stop 2016, and is stopped by the stop 2016, as shown below. Figure 21 As shown by the dashed line in the image.

[0172] The roll sheet detection sensor 2026 can detect whether the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022. The roll sheet detection sensor 2026 corresponds to the "first sensor" of this disclosure. The roll sheet detection sensor 2026 includes an actuator 2026a and a photoelectric sensor 2026b having a light emitting element and a light receiving element (not shown). The actuator 2026a is rotatable about an axis 2026a1, which is a rod-shaped member, and in the left-right direction (towards...). Figure 21 The axis 2026a1 extends perpendicularly to the drawing. It is supported by a support base 2023. The actuator 2026a is propelled by a pushing member (not shown) along... Figure 21 Push it clockwise.

[0173] When the rolled sheet R2 is not supported on the support 2022, the actuator 2026a is in a vertical position where its length direction coincides with its vertical direction, such as... Figure 21 As shown by the dashed line in the diagram. When the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022, the upper end of the actuator 2026a is pushed by the roll sheet R2, and thus along... Figure 21 The actuator 2026a is rotated counterclockwise, causing it to be in an inclined position with its upper end on the front side and its lower end on the rear side, as shown in the example. Figure 21 As shown by the solid line in the image.

[0174] The photoelectric sensor 2026 is configured to output a signal to the controller 2008. The photoelectric sensor 2026b is positioned such that it can detect the lower end of the actuator 2026a in a tilted position but cannot detect the actuator 2026a in a vertical position. Therefore, when the roll sheet R2 is not supported on the support 2022 and when the support 2022 is removed from the tray 2021, the output signal of the photoelectric sensor 2026b becomes off. When the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support 2022, the output signal of the photoelectric sensor 2026b becomes on.

[0175] The media back-end detection sensor 2027 includes an actuator 2027a and a photoelectric sensor 2027b having a light emitting element and a light receiving element (not shown). The media back-end detection sensor 2027 corresponds to the "second sensor" of this disclosure. The actuator 2027a is arranged between the support 2022 and the feeding unit 2003, which will be described in detail later. The actuator 2027a is rotatable about an axis 2027a1, which is a rod-shaped member, and in the left-right direction (with...). Figure 21 The shaft 2027a1 extends (vertically from the drawing). It is supported on the bottom 2021b of the tray 2021. The actuator 2027a is propelled by a pushing member (not shown) along... Figure 21 It is pushed counterclockwise. When the actuator 2027a is not in contact with the sheet P2, the actuator 2027a is in a vertical position in which the length direction coincides with the up and down direction.

[0176] The photoelectric sensor 2027b is configured to output a signal to the controller 2008. The photoelectric sensor 2027b is positioned such that it can detect the lower end of the actuator 2027a in a vertical orientation. When the sheet P2 comes into contact with the vertically oriented actuator 2027a, the actuator 2027a is pushed by the sheet P2, and therefore... Figure 21 The actuator rotates clockwise. Therefore, the lower end of the actuator 2027a is not detected by the photoelectric sensor 2027b. The vertical position of the actuator 2027a is the detection position of the media back-end detection sensor 2027, and when there is no sheet P2 at the detection position, the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2027b becomes on, and when there is sheet P2 at the detection position, the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2027b becomes off.

[0177] The detection position of the back-end detection sensor 2027, that is, the position of the actuator 2027a in the vertical orientation, is located on the path of the sheet P2 unwound from the roll sheet R2. Therefore, when the sheet P2 is unwound from the roll sheet R2 supported on the support 2022, the actuator 2027a is pushed by the sheet P2 and thus along the path of the roll sheet R2. Figure 21The actuator rotates clockwise. As a result, the actuator 2027a tilts so that the upper end is at the rear and the lower end is at the front, as shown in the image. Figure 21 As shown by the solid line in the image.

[0178] When a pre-sized (A4 size in the third embodiment) cut sheet K2 is accommodated in the feed cassette 2002, the detection position of the media rear-end detection sensor 2027, i.e., the position of the actuator 2027a in a vertical orientation, is located near the front end of the cut sheet K2 on the support surface 2021b1 of the tray 2021. More specifically, the detection position of the media rear-end detection sensor 2027 is located outside the area of ​​the support surface 2021b1 of the tray 2021 that supports the pre-sized cut sheet K2, and adjacent to the front end of said area. Figure 25B As shown, when a cut sheet K2 with a size (length in the front-to-back direction) equal to or smaller than a predetermined size is contained in the feed box 2002, the actuator 2027a is in a vertical position. Figure 25C As shown, when a cut sheet K2 with a size (length in the front-to-back direction) larger than a predetermined size is accommodated in the feed box 2002, the actuator 2027a is pushed by the sheet P2, and thus... Figure 21 Rotate the middle section clockwise so that its length direction faces the horizontal direction.

[0179] When the sheet P2 unwound from the roll R2 supported on the support 2022 is not present at the detection position (e.g., Figure 26A The states shown are as follows: when no cut sheet K is contained in the feed cassette 2002, and when a cut sheet K2 with a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined size is contained in the feed cassette 2002. Figure 25B (as shown in the state), the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2026b turns on. When the sheet P2, unwound from the roll of sheet R2 supported on the support 2022, is present at the detection position (e.g., ...), Figure 26B When the state shown is met, and when a cut sheet K2 with a size larger than the predetermined size is contained in the feed box 2002 ( Figure 25C As shown in the state, the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2026b becomes off.

[0180] The feeding unit 2003 is arranged above the feeding box 2002 and mainly includes a feeder roller 2003a, an arm 2003b, and a feed motor 2003M (see [link]). Figure 22A medium presence detection sensor 2031 is included. The feeder roller 2003a is pivotally supported by the end of the arm 2003b. The arm 2003b is rotatably supported by a support shaft 2003c. The arm 2003b is pushed in one direction by a spring, etc., in which the feeder roller 2003a contacts the support surface 2021b1 of the tray 2021. Therefore, when the sheet P2 is supported on the support surface 2021b1, the feeder roller 2003a contacts the sheet P2. The arm 2003b is further configured to retract upwards during the installation and removal of the feed box 2002. The feeder roller 2003a is configured to rotate as a driving force from the feed motor 2003M is transmitted to it, thereby applying a conveying force to the sheet P2 in the feeding direction (backwards). When the feed motor 2003M is driven under the control of the controller 2008, the feeder roller 2003a rotates, causing any sheet P2 and cut sheet K2 contained in the roll sheet R2 in the feed cassette 2002 to be fed backward. Note that the sheet P2 fed backward by the feed unit 2003 faces upward at the rear end of the feed cassette 2002.

[0181] The medium presence detection sensor 2031 is a sensor supported by arm 2003b and is capable of detecting whether sheet P2 is located in a position where sheet P2 can be fed by feeding unit 2003. The medium presence detection sensor 2031 corresponds to the "third sensor" of this disclosure. The medium presence detection sensor 2031 includes an actuator 2031a and a photoelectric sensor 2031b having a light emitting element and a light receiving element (not shown).

[0182] Actuator 2031a is a rod-shaped member arranged in a vertical orientation near feeder roller 2003a and is movable in the vertical direction. Actuator 2031a is pushed downwards by a pushing member (not shown) and is positioned in a lowered position, where its lower end is positioned lower than the lower end of feeder roller 2003a when the actuator is not in contact with sheet P2. When the lower end of actuator 2031a comes into contact with sheet P2, actuator 2031a is pushed upwards by sheet P2 and is positioned in an ascended position, where the lower end of the actuator is substantially flush with the lower end of feeder roller 2003a.

[0183] The photoelectric sensor 2031b is configured to output a signal to the controller 2008. The photoelectric sensor 2031b is positioned such that it can detect the upper end of the actuator 2031a in the rising position but cannot detect the actuator 2031a in the falling position. Therefore, the vicinity of the feeder roller 2003a, where the actuator 2031a is arranged, becomes the detection position of the medium presence detection sensor 2031. When the sheet P2 is not present at the detection position of the medium presence detection sensor 2031, the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2031b becomes off, and when the sheet P2 is present at the detection position, the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2031b becomes on.

[0184] The conveying unit 2004 is configured to convey the sheet P2 fed from the feed box 2002 by the feeding unit 2003 in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the housing 2011. The conveying unit 2004 mainly includes three pairs of conveying rollers 2041 to 2043 arranged sequentially from the upstream side in the conveying direction, and a conveying motor 2004M (see [link to motor description]). Figure 22 The conveying roller pairs 2041 to 2043 are respectively configured to apply a conveying force along the conveying direction to the sheet P2 by contacting it. The conveying roller pairs 2041 and 2042 correspond to the "first conveying unit" and "second conveying unit" of this disclosure, respectively, and are arranged on the upstream and downstream sides of the cutting mechanism 2005 with respect to the feeding direction of the feeding unit 2003 to the sheet P2.

[0185] Each of the conveyor roller pairs 2041 to 2043 consists of a drive roller and a driven roller, wherein the drive roller is configured to rotate as a driving force from the conveyor motor 2004M is transmitted thereto, and the driven roller is configured to rotate together with the drive roller. When the conveyor motor 2004M is driven under the control of the controller 2008, the drive roller and driven roller of the conveyor roller pairs 2041 to 2043 rotate while holding the sheet P2, so that the sheet P2 is conveyed along the conveying direction.

[0186] Here, in order to send the sheet P2 fed from the feeding unit 2003 to the downstream side of the cutting mechanism 2005, the length of the sheet P2 in the conveying direction must be equal to or greater than the length along the conveying path from the clamping position of the sheet P2 by the conveying roller pair 2041 to the clamping position of the sheet P2 by the conveying roller pair 2042. Therefore, the length along the conveying path from the clamping position of the sheet P2 by the conveying roller pair 2041 to the clamping position of the sheet P2 by the conveying roller pair 2042 is set as the length required for conveying.

[0187] The cutting mechanism 2005 mainly includes a fixed blade 2051, a movable blade 2052, and a cutting motor 2005M (see...). Figure 22 The fixed blade 2051 is positioned in the left-right direction (perpendicular to...). Figure 21 (The direction of the drawing) extends. The movable blade 2052 is configured to move in the left-right direction when the driving force from the cutting motor 2005M is transmitted to it. When the cutting motor 2005M is driven under the control of the controller 2008, and thus the movable blade 2052 moves in the left-right direction, the fixed blade 2051 and the movable blade 2052 cooperate in the width direction to cut the sheet P2 unwound from the roll sheet R2 and fed by the feeding unit 2003. Thus, the rear end of the sheet P2 is formed.

[0188] The recording unit 2006 is arranged between the conveyor roller pair 2042 and the conveyor roller pair 2043, and mainly includes a recording head 2061 and a driver IC 2006a (see [link]). Figure 22 The recording head 2061 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) formed in its lower surface. When the driver IC 2006a is driven under the control of the controller 2008, the recording head 2061 ejects ink supplied from a cartridge (not shown) or ink canister (not shown) with an injection port, through which ink can be replenished, thereby recording an image on the sheet P2 conveyed by the transport roller pair 2042. The sheet P2 on which the image is recorded is then conveyed forward by the transport roller pair 2043. Figure 21 (Left side of the image). Note that the recording head 2061 in this embodiment is configured to eject ink from the nozzle in a serial manner while moving in the left-right direction, but it can also be configured to eject ink from the nozzle in a row manner while the position is fixed.

[0189] In the discharge tray 2007, a sheet P2 having an image recorded by the recording unit 2006 is contained and forwardly conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 2043. The conveyor roller pair 2043 corresponds to the "discharge section" of this disclosure. The sheet P2 contained in the discharge tray 2007 is any of the following: a sheet P2 unwound from a roll sheet R, which has a rear end formed by the cutting mechanism 2005 and has an image recorded thereon by the recording unit 2006; and a sheet P2 having an image recorded by the recording unit 2006 on a cut sheet K2.

[0190] Subsequently, referring to Figure 22The controller 2008, responsible for controlling the entire printer 2001, is described. The controller 2008 is connected via a bus to a driver IC 2006a, a feed motor 2003M, a transport motor 2004M, a cutter motor 2005M, a cartridge detection sensor 2014, a roll sheet detection sensor 2026, a media end-of-line detection sensor 2027, a media presence detection sensor 2031, and a display 2009. The display 2009 is located on the outer surface of the housing 2011.

[0191] The controller 2008 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2081, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 2082, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2083, and an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) 2084, all connected to each other via a bus. The ROM 2082 stores control programs, various settings, initial values, etc., for controlling the printer 2001. The RAM 2083 serves as a working area for reading various control programs or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. They cooperate to control the operation of the driver IC 2006a, feed motor 2003M, conveyor motor 2004M, cutter motor 2005M, display 2009, etc. The controller 2008 is further configured to receive signals from the cartridge detection sensor 2014, the roll sheet detection sensor 2026, the media back-end detection sensor 2027, and the media presence detection sensor 2031.

[0192] The RAM 2083 can store image data related to image recording on sheet P2 performed by the recording unit 2006. Recording data is sent to the RAM 2083 from terminals such as a PC (personal computer) connected to the printer 2001, a smartphone, a digital camera, a scanner, etc. In the following description, recording data recorded on the same sheet P is referred to as "a recording job". In the case of a cut sheet K2, "same sheet P2" refers to a cut sheet K. In the case of a rolled sheet R2, "same sheet P2" refers to a sheet P2 that is part of a long sheet P2 wound on the outer peripheral surface of a winding core Rc2, and has at least one of a front end and a rear end in the transport direction, formed as a result of cutting by the cutting mechanism 2005.

[0193] The controller 2008 is configured to perform a medium determination process based on the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2026b of the sheet detection sensor. This medium determination process is used to determine whether the sheet P2 contained in the feed cassette 2002 is a roll sheet R2 or a cut sheet K2. In the medium determination process, if the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2026b is an open signal indicating that the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support 2022, it is determined that the roll sheet R2 is contained in the feed cassette 2002 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 25AWhen the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2026b is an off signal indicating that the roll sheet R2 is not supported on the support 2022, it is determined that the cut sheet K is contained in the feed box 2002 (see [link]). Figure 25B and Figure 25C ).

[0194] The controller 2008 is configured to perform a roll medium depletion determination process based on the output signals from the photoelectric sensor 2026b of the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 and the photoelectric sensor 2027b of the media rear end detection sensor 2027 to determine whether the roll sheet R2 has been used up. Here, in the case where the roll sheet R2 is fixed to the winding core Rc2 at its rear end, when the sheet is used up, the winding core Rc2 is pulled rearward by the sheet P2 fed backward by the feeding unit 2003 and separates from the support 2022, as... Figure 26B As shown in the diagram. Therefore, after determining that the roll sheet R2 is contained in the feed box 2002 during the media determination process, when the sheet P2 is fed by the feed unit 2003, when the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2026b is switched to an off signal indicating that the roll sheet R2 is not supported on the support 2022, the roll media depletion determination process determines that the roll sheet R2 has been used up.

[0195] In the case where the rear end of the rolled sheet R2 is not fixed to the winding core Rc2, when the sheet is used up, the rear end of the rolled sheet R2 separates from the winding core Rc2 and is fed backward through the feeding unit 2003, as shown. Figure 26A As shown in the diagram. Note that the winding core Rc2 is held supported on the support portion 2022. Therefore, after determining that the roll sheet R2 is contained in the feed box 2002 during the media determination process, when the sheet P2 is fed by the feed unit 2003, the roll sheet R2 is determined to be used up during the roll media depletion determination process when the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2027b switches from a signal indicating that the sheet P2 is present at the detection position (i.e., an on signal) to a signal indicating that the sheet P2 is not present at the detection position (i.e., an off signal).

[0196] Here, when the rolled sheet R2 is not fixed to the winding core Rc2 at its rear end, the remaining length of sheet P2 when it is determined that the rolled sheet R2 has been used up during the roll medium depletion determination process is always longer than the length along the conveying path from the detection position of the media rear end detection sensor 2027 to the cutting position of sheet P2 by the cutting mechanism 2005. Therefore, the length along the conveying path from the detection position of the media rear end detection sensor 2027 to the cutting position of sheet P2 by the cutting mechanism 2005 is set as the minimum remaining length. The minimum remaining length is set to be longer than the length required for conveying (the length along the conveying path from the clamping position of sheet P2 by conveyor roller pair 2041 to the clamping position of sheet P2 by conveyor roller pair 2042). Therefore, after it is determined that the rolled sheet R2 has been used up, sheet P2 can be conveyed to a side further downstream than the cutting mechanism 2005 by conveyor roller pair 2041 and conveyor roller pair 2042.

[0197] If the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2026b is switched to indicate that the roll sheet R2 is not supported on the support part 2022, and the roll medium is used up, and it is determined that the sheet has been used up, the controller 2008 does not allow recording by the recording unit 2006.

[0198] When the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2027b is switched from indicating the presence of sheet P2 to indicating the absence of sheet P2, and it is determined in the roll media depletion determination process that the sheet has been used up, the controller 2008 performs a comparison process. In this comparison process, the required recording length is compared with the unrecorded remaining length, wherein the required recording length is the length of sheet P2 required for the recording unit 2006 to complete a recording operation on the same sheet P2 from this point forward, and the unrecorded remaining length is the length of the portion of sheet P2 on the roll sheet R2 on which an image has not yet been recorded by the recording unit 2006.

[0199] If the comparison process determines that the unrecorded remaining length is equal to or longer than the length required for recording, the controller 2008 allows recording in the recording unit 2006. If the comparison process determines that the unrecorded remaining length is shorter than the length required for recording, the controller 2008 does not allow recording in the recording unit 2006 and discharges sheet P2 via conveyor roller 2043.

[0200] The controller 2008 is configured to perform a roll media setting determination process based on the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2031b of the media presence detection sensor 2031. This roll media setting determination process determines whether the roll sheet R2 is (normally) set in the feed cassette 2002, which is in a state where the roll sheet R2 can be fed through the feed unit 2003. If the output signal from the photoelectric sensor 2031b is an open signal indicating the presence of sheet P at the detection position, the roll media setting determination process determines that the roll sheet R2 is normally set in the feed cassette 2002.

[0201] Subsequently, reference Figure 23 , Figure 24A and Figure 24B An example of the processing performed in the controller 2008 when an image is recorded in the printer 2001 is described. The processing described below begins when the controller 2008 receives a print command. The print command is entered by a user via a terminal such as a PC or smartphone connected to the printer 2001 or via an input device (not shown) set to the printer 2001.

[0202] First, the controller 2008 determines whether the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 detects that the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022 (S101: Medium determination process). If it is determined that the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 detects that the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022 (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to step S117, which will be described later. If it is determined that the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 does not detect that the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022 (S101: No), it is determined that the cut sheet K2 is contained in the feed box 2002 (S102).

[0203] Next, the controller 2008 determines whether the media back-end detection sensor 2027 detects the presence of sheet P2 at the detection position (S103). If it is determined that the media back-end detection sensor 2027 detects the presence of sheet P2 at the detection position (S103: Yes), it is determined that the cut sheet K2 contained in the feed box 2002 is larger than a predetermined size (S104), and the process proceeds to step S106, which will be described later. If it is determined that the media back-end detection sensor 2027 does not detect the presence of sheet P2 at the detection position (S103: No), it is determined that the cut sheet K2 contained in the feed box 2002 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined size (S105), and the process proceeds to step S106, which will be described later.

[0204] Then, the controller 2008 determines whether the medium presence detection sensor 2031 detects that sheet P2 exists at a position where sheet P2 can be fed by the feeding unit 2003 (S106). If it is determined that the medium presence detection sensor 2031 does not detect that sheet P2 exists at a position where sheet P2 can be fed by the feeding unit 2003 (S106: No), it is determined that there is no cutting sheet K2 in the feed box 2002 (S107). Then, the controller 2008 controls the display 2009 to display a message on the display 2009 to notify the user that there is no cutting sheet K2 (S108). In addition, the controller 2008 determines whether the installation or removal of the feed box 2002 is detected by the box detection sensor 2014 (S109).

[0205] The determination in step S109 is repeated until it is determined that the installation or removal of the feed box 2002 is detected by the box detection sensor 2014. If it is determined that the installation or removal of the feed box 2002 is detected by the box detection sensor 2014 (S109: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the display 2009 to stop displaying the message used to notify the user that no sheet K2 has been cut (S110), and the process returns to step S101.

[0206] On the other hand, if in step S106 the medium presence detection sensor 2031 detects that sheet P2 exists at a position where sheet P2 can be fed by the feeding unit 2003 (S106: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the feeding motor 2003M and the conveying motor 2004M to start feeding sheet P2 (S111). The controller 2008 controls the feeding motor 2003M and the conveying motor 2004M to feed sheet P2 by a predetermined amount (S112), and controls the driver IC 2006a to record at a predetermined pass (S113). Then, the controller 2008 determines whether a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has been completed (S114).

[0207] If it is determined that a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has not been completed (S114: No), the process returns to step S112. If it is determined that a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has been completed (S114: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the conveyor motor 2004M to discharge sheet P (S115). Additionally, the controller 2008 determines whether there is a recording operation to be recorded on the next sheet P2 (S116). If it is determined that there is a recording operation to be recorded on the next sheet P2 (S116: Yes), the process returns to step S106. If it is determined that there is no recording operation to be recorded on the next sheet P2 (S116: No), the process ends.

[0208] In step S101, if the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 detects that the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022 (S101: Yes), it is determined that the roll sheet R2 is contained in the feed box 2002 (S117). Then, the controller 2008 determines whether the media back-end detection sensor 2027 detects that the sheet P2 exists at the detection position (S118).

[0209] If the media back-end detection sensor 2027 does not detect the presence of sheet P2 at the detection position (S118: No), the roll sheet R2 supported on the support 2022 is not unwound to the detection position of the media back-end detection sensor 2027, and the roll sheet R2 is not properly positioned in the feed cassette 2002. Therefore, the controller 2008 controls the display 2009 to display a message on the display 2009 to notify the user that the roll sheet R2 should be properly positioned (S119). In addition, the controller 2008 determines whether the cassette detection sensor 2014 detects the installation or removal of the feed cassette 2002 (S120).

[0210] The determination in step S120 is repeated until it is determined that the installation or removal of the feed box 2002 is detected by the box detection sensor 2014. If it is determined that the installation or removal of the feed box 2002 is detected by the box detection sensor 2014 (S120: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the display 2009 to stop displaying the message used to notify the user that the roll sheet R2 should be properly set (S110), and the process returns to step S101.

[0211] On the other hand, if in step S118 it is determined that the media rear end detection sensor 2027 detects the presence of sheet P2 at the detection position (S118: Yes), the controller 2008 determines whether the media presence detection sensor 2031 detects that sheet P2 is present at a position where sheet P2 can be fed by the feed unit 2003 (S122: Roll media setting determination process). If it is determined that the media presence detection sensor 2031 does not detect the presence of sheet P2 at a position where sheet P2 can be fed by the feed unit 2003 (S122: No), the roll sheet R2 supported on the support 2022 is not unwound to a position where sheet P2 can be fed by the feed unit 2003, and the roll sheet R2 is not properly set in the feed box 2002. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S119, and the controller 2008 controls the display 2009 to display a message on the display 2009 to notify the user that the roll sheet R2 should be properly set.

[0212] If the media presence detection sensor 2031 detects that sheet P2 is present at a position where it can be fed by the feed unit 2003 (S122: Yes), it is determined that the roll sheet R2 is properly positioned in the feed box 2002 (S123). Then, the controller 2008 controls the feed motor 2003M and the conveyor motor 2004M to start feeding sheet P2 (S124). Next, the controller 2008 determines whether the media rear end detection sensor 2027 detects that sheet P2 is present at the detection position (S125: Roll media depletion determination process).

[0213] If, in step S125, it is determined that the media rear end detection sensor 2027 does not detect the presence of sheet P2 at the detection position (S125: No), the roll sheet R2, whose rear end is not fixed to the winding core Rc2, has run out of sheet material, and its rear end passes through the detection position of the media rear end detection sensor 2027. At this time, the controller 2008 determines whether the unrecorded remaining length of sheet P2 constituting the roll sheet R2 is equal to or longer than the recording required length of sheet P2 (S126: Comparison Processing), where the recording required length is the length required to complete a recording operation from now on.

[0214] If it is determined that the remaining unrecorded length is shorter than the length required for recording (S126: No), the controller 2008 does not allow the recording unit 2006 to record (S130), and the process proceeds to S131, which will be described later. If it is determined that the remaining unrecorded length is equal to or longer than the length required for recording (S126: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the feed motor 2003M and the conveyor motor 2004M to convey the sheet P2 by a predetermined amount (S127), and controls the driver IC 2006a to perform recording by a predetermined throughput (S128). Then, the controller 2008 determines whether a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has been completed (S129). If it is determined that a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has not been completed (S129: No), the process returns to step S127.

[0215] If it is determined that a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has been completed (S129: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the conveyor motor 2004M to discharge the sheet P2 (S131). Simultaneously, if it is determined that the remaining unrecorded length is equal to or longer than the length required for recording (S126: Yes), the controller 2008 may control the cutting mechanism 2005 to cut the sheet P2 in any process up to step S131, or not to perform cutting of the sheet P2 by the cutting mechanism 2005.

[0216] Then, the controller 2008 controls the display 2009 to display a message on the display 2009 notifying the user that there is no roll of sheet R2 (S132). Additionally, the controller 2008 determines whether the cartridge detection sensor 2014 has detected the installation or removal of the feed cartridge 2002 (S133). The determination in step S133 is repeated until it is determined that the cartridge detection sensor 2014 has detected the installation or removal of the feed cartridge 2002. If it is determined that the cartridge detection sensor 2014 has detected the installation or removal of the feed cartridge 2002 (S133: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the display 2009 to stop displaying the message notifying the user that there is no roll of sheet R2 (S134), and the process returns to step S101.

[0217] On the other hand, if the media back-end detection sensor 2027 detects that sheet P2 is present at the detection position (S125: Yes), it is determined whether the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 detects that roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022 (S135). If it is determined that the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 does not detect that roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022 (S135: No), the roll sheet R2 whose rear end is fixed to the winding core Rc2 has been used up, and the winding core Rc2 has separated from the support portion 2022. Therefore, the controller 2008 disables the recording unit 2006 from recording (S136) and proceeds to step S132 to control the display 2009, thereby displaying a message on the display 2009 to notify the user that there is no roll sheet R2.

[0218] If, in step S135, the sheet roll detection sensor 2026 detects that the sheet roll R2 is supported on the support portion 2022 (S135: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the feed motor 2003M and the conveyor motor 2004M to convey the sheet P2 by a predetermined amount (S137), and controls the driver IC 2006a to perform recording by a predetermined throughput (S138). Then, it is determined whether a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has been completed (S139). If it is determined that a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has not been completed (S139: No), the process returns to step S137.

[0219] If it is determined that a recording operation to be recorded on the same sheet P2 has been completed (S139: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the conveyor motor 2004M to discharge the sheet P2 (S140). On the other hand, if it is determined that the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 detects that the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support 2022 (S135: Yes), the controller 2008 controls the cutting mechanism 2005 to cut the sheet P2 in any process up to step S140.

[0220] Additionally, controller 2008 determines whether there is a recording job to be recorded on the next sheet P2 (S141). If it is determined that there is a recording job to be recorded on the next sheet P2 (S141: Yes), the process returns to step S124. If it is determined that there is no recording job to be recorded on the next sheet P2 (S141: No), the process ends.

[0221] As described above, in the printer 2001 of the third embodiment, the feed cassette 2002 can selectively accommodate either a roll sheet R2 or a cut sheet K2. The feed cassette 2002 includes: a support portion 2022 configured to rotatably support the roll sheet R2 by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the roll sheet R2; a roll sheet detection sensor 2026 configured to detect whether the roll sheet R2 is supported on the support portion 2022; and a media end-of-line detection sensor 2027 configured to detect whether the sheet P2 is present at a detection position located on the path between the support portion 2022 and the feed unit 2003, and the sheet P2 unwound from the roll sheet R2 passes through said path. The controller 2008 is configured to: determine that the roll sheet R2 is contained when the output signal from the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 is a signal indicating that the roll sheet R2 is supported; determine that the cut sheet K2 is contained when the output signal from the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 is a signal indicating that the roll sheet R2 is not supported (media determination process); and determine that the roll sheet R2 is used up in the following two cases: (i) after determining that the roll sheet R2 is contained, while the sheet P2 is fed by the feeding unit 2003, and when the output signal from the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 is switched to a signal indicating that the roll sheet R2 is not supported; and (ii) after determining that the roll sheet R2 is contained, while the sheet P2 is fed by the feeding unit 2003, while the output signal from the media back end detection sensor 2027 is switched from a signal indicating the presence of sheet P2 to a signal indicating that sheet P2 is not present (roll media used up determination process).

[0222] By determining the medium, it is possible to determine whether the sheet P2 contained in the feed box 2002 is a rolled sheet R2 or a cut sheet K2. Furthermore, when the rolled sheet R2 is fixed to the winding core Rc2 at its rear end, when the sheet is used up, sheet P2 is fed by the feed unit 2003, causing the winding core Rc2 to separate from the support portion 2022. Therefore, when sheet P2 is fed by the feed unit 2003, when the output signal from the rolled sheet detection sensor 2026 is switched to a signal indicating that the rolled sheet R2 is not supported on the support portion 2022, it can be determined that the rolled sheet R2 is used up. When the rolled sheet R2 is not fixed to the winding core Rc2 at its rear end, when the sheet is used up, sheet P2 is fed by the feed unit 2003, causing the rear end of sheet P2 to pass the detection position of the medium rear end detection sensor 2027. Therefore, when sheet P2 is fed by feeding unit 2003, if the output signal from media rear-end detection sensor 2027 switches from a signal indicating the presence of sheet P2 to a signal indicating the absence of sheet P2, it can be determined that the roll of sheet R2 has been used up. In this way, whether the sheet R2 has been used up can be accurately determined in both cases where the rear end of the roll of sheet R2 is fixed to the winding core Rc2 and where the rear end of the roll of sheet R2 is not fixed to the winding core Rc2.

[0223] In the printer 2001 of the third embodiment, the shortest remaining length, i.e., the length of the transport path from the detection position of the media rear end detection sensor 2027 to the cutting position where the sheet P2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 2005, is longer than the length required for transport along the transport path from the clamping position of the sheet P2 by the transport roller pair 2041 to the clamping position of the sheet P2 by the transport roller pair 2042. Therefore, when the rolled sheet R2 is not fixed to the winding core Rc2 at its rear end, the length of the sheet P2 is always longer than the length required for transport when feeding the sheet P2 and when the output signal switches from a signal indicating the presence of the sheet P2 to a signal indicating the absence of the sheet P2 (i.e., when it can be determined that the sheet has been used up). Therefore, when the rolled sheet R2 is not fixed to the winding core Rc2 at its rear end, after it is determined that the sheet has been used up, the sheet P2 can be transported to the downstream side of the cutting mechanism 2005 via the transport roller pair 2041 and the transport roller pair 2042.

[0224] Furthermore, in the printer 2001 of the third embodiment, the detection position of the media back-end detection sensor 2027 is located adjacent to the area on the support surface 2021b1 of the feed cassette 2002 in which a cut sheet K2 of a predetermined size is supported. Therefore, when a cut sheet K2 with a size equal to or smaller than the predetermined size is contained in the feed cassette 2002, since the cut sheet K2 is not supported at the detection position of the media back-end detection sensor 2027 on the support surface 2021b1, a signal indicating the absence of sheet P2 is output from the media back-end detection sensor 2027. When a cut sheet K2 with a size larger than the predetermined size is contained in the feed cassette 2002, since the cut sheet K2 is supported at the detection position of the media back-end detection sensor 2027 on the support surface 2021b1, a signal indicating the presence of sheet P2 is output from the media back-end detection sensor 2027. Therefore, by using the media back-end detection sensor 2027, it is also possible to determine whether the cut sheet K2 contained in the feed box 2002 is larger than the predetermined size.

[0225] Furthermore, the printer 2001 in the third embodiment includes a media presence detection sensor 2031, which is configured to detect whether sheet P2 is located at a position where sheet P2 can be fed by the feed unit 2003. When the output signal from the media presence detection sensor 2031 indicates the presence of sheet P2, the controller 2008 determines that the roll sheet R2 is set in the feed cassette 2002 in a state where it can be fed by the feed unit 2003 (roll media setting determination process). Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the roll sheet R2 is properly set in the feed cassette 2002 in a state where the roll sheet R2 can be fed by the feed unit 2003.

[0226] In the printer 2001 of the third embodiment, if the roll sheet R2 is determined to be used up during the roll media depletion determination process based on the output signal from the roll sheet detection sensor 2026 being switched to a signal indicating that the roll sheet R2 is not supported on the support portion 2022, the controller 2008 does not allow the recording unit 2006 to record. When the roll sheet R2, with its rear end fixed to the winding core Rc2, is in a state where the rear end of the sheet P2 cannot be sent to the recording unit 2006, the recording unit 2006 is not allowed to record when it is determined that the sheet is used up, thus preventing useless recording from being performed in the recording unit 2006.

[0227] In the printer 2001 of the third embodiment, the controller 2008 is configured to compare the required recording length with the unrecorded remaining length of the sheet P2 constituting the roll sheet R2 when the output signal from the media back-end detection sensor 2027 switches from a signal indicating the presence of sheet P2 to a signal indicating the absence of sheet P2, and the roll sheet R2 is determined to be used up during the roll media used up determination process (comparison processing). The required recording length is the length of sheet P2 required to complete a recording job from now on. If the comparison processing determines that the unrecorded remaining length is equal to or longer than the required recording length, the recording unit 2006 is allowed to record; if the comparison processing determines that the unrecorded remaining length is shorter than the required recording length, the recording unit 2006 is not allowed to record. Therefore, when the roll sheet R2 is not fixed to the winding core Rc2 at its rear end, if there is an amount of sheet P2 remaining sufficient to complete a recording job when it is determined that the sheet is used up, recording is allowed in the recording unit 2006, so that the recording job can be completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no remaining amount of sheet P2 sufficient to complete a recording operation when the sheet has been used up, recording is not allowed in the recording unit 2006, thereby preventing useless recording from being performed in the recording unit 2006.

[0228] In the printer 2001 of the third embodiment, if the comparison process determines that the unrecorded remaining length is shorter than the length required for recording, the controller 2008 causes the conveyor roller pair 2041 to discharge the sheet P2. Therefore, since the remaining sheet P2 can be discharged by the conveyor roller pair 2041, the user does not need to remove the remaining sheet P2.

[0229] Although a third embodiment of this disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the specific construction is not limited to the described embodiment. The scope of this disclosure is defined in the claims rather than in the description of the embodiments, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0230] In the third embodiment, the sheet roll detection sensor 2026, the media back-end detection sensor 2027, and the media presence detection sensor 2031 have been described as having actuators 2026a, 2027a, and 2031a, respectively, and photoelectric sensors 2026b, 2027b, and 2031b capable of detecting the displacement of the actuators 2026a, 2027a, and 2031a. However, the sensor configuration is not limited to this. That is, the sensor may not have an actuator and may be configured to detect the presence of sheet P2 or winding core Rc2 depending on whether a light beam from the photoelectric sensor is reflected on sheet P2 or winding core Rc2.

[0231] In the third embodiment, the feeding direction of the feeding unit 2003 to the sheet P2 has been described, with the conveyor roller pair 2041 arranged upstream of the cutting mechanism 2005. However, the conveyor roller pair 2041 may not be provided. Without the conveyor roller pair 2041, the feeder roller 2003a corresponds to the "first conveying unit" of this disclosure, and the length along the conveying path from the contact position where the feeder roller 2003a contacts the sheet P2 to the clamping position of the conveyor roller pair 2042 on the sheet P2 is set to the required conveying length.

[0232] In the third embodiment, it has been described that the shortest remaining length is longer than the required conveying length, wherein the shortest remaining length is the length along the conveying path from the detection position of the media rear end detection sensor 2027 to the cutting position of the sheet P2 by the cutting mechanism 2025, and the required conveying length is the length along the conveying path from the clamping position of the conveying roller pair 2041 to the clamping position of the conveying roller pair 2042. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the shortest remaining length may be equal to or shorter than the required conveying length.

[0233] In the third embodiment, it has been described that the detection position of the media back-end detection sensor 2027 is adjacent to the region of the support surface 2021b1 of the feed box 2002 in which the cut sheet K2 of a predetermined size is supported, so that it is possible to determine whether the cut sheet K2 contained in the feed box 2002 is larger than the predetermined size by using the media back-end detection sensor 2027. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it may be possible to avoid performing the determination of whether the cut sheet K2 contained in the feed box 2002 is larger than the predetermined size by using the media back-end detection sensor 2027.

[0234] In the third embodiment, a medium presence detection sensor 2031 has been described, which is capable of detecting whether the sheet P2 is located at a position where the sheet P2 can be fed by the feeding unit 2003. However, the medium presence detection sensor 2031 may not be provided.

[0235] In the third embodiment, it has been described that recording in the recording unit 2006 is not permitted when it is determined that the sheet R2 fixed to the winding core Rc2 has been used up. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Recording in the recording unit 2006 may be permitted when it is determined that the sheet R2 fixed to the winding core Rc2 has been used up.

[0236] In the third embodiment, it has been described that when it is determined that the roll sheet R2, whose ends are not fixed to the winding core Rc2, has run out of sheet material, the following comparison process is performed to compare the required recording length with the unrecorded remaining length of the sheet P2 constituting the roll sheet R2, wherein the required recording length is the length of sheet P2 required to complete a recording operation from now on. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the comparison process may not be performed, and when it is determined that the roll sheet R2, whose rear ends are not fixed to the winding core Rc2, has run out of sheet material, sheet P2 may be discharged without recording in the recording unit 2006, regardless of the unrecorded remaining length. Furthermore, sheet P2 may not be discharged.

[0237] This disclosure can be applied to all image recording devices, including media cartridges capable of selectively accommodating either roll media or single-piece media.

[0238] The roll medium (continuous medium) disclosed herein may be cloth.

[0239] Furthermore, although not all examples are provided, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

Claims

1. A media cartridge configured for insertion and removal relative to a device body, and configured to selectively accommodate any recording medium, either roll media or monolithic media, the roll media having a continuous medium wound in a roll shape, the media cartridge comprising: A support portion configured to rotatably support the roll medium by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the roll medium housed in the media cartridge; A sensor configured to output a signal regarding whether the roll medium is supported on the support; and A tray capable of selectively accommodating both roll media and single-sheet media. The support portion includes a support base disposed on the bottom surface of the tray, and the support base is configured to support the roll medium. The support base has a pair of inclined surfaces, each of which is inclined such that, in a direction including the bottom surface and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roll medium, the height from the bottom surface increases with increasing distance from the axis of rotation of the roll medium. The sensor is a light-reflective sensor arranged on the inclined surface, and the light-reflective sensor is configured to detect the roll medium by detecting the continuous medium provided along the inclined surface after being unwound from the roll medium supported on the support base.

2. The media cartridge according to claim 1, The support portion is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface at least at a first position and a second position in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roll medium, and the lower end of the roll medium is located between the first position and the second position in the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roll medium.

3. The medium cartridge according to claim 2, The support portion includes two support rollers, which are capable of rotating about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the roll medium while in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roll medium at the first position and the second position.

4. The media cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The sensor is a light-reflective sensor, which is positioned lower than the contact point between the support and the outer peripheral surface, and is configured to detect the roll medium by detecting the lower end of the roll medium.

5. The media cartridge according to claim 1, The sensor is a pressure sensor configured to detect the roll medium by detecting pressing pressure applied to the lower end of the roll medium supported on the support.

6. An image recording device, comprising: The medium cartridge according to claim 1; and The main body of the equipment, The media cartridge further includes: A support portion, configured to rotatably support the roll medium by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the roll medium housed in the media cartridge; and A sensor configured to output a signal regarding whether the roll medium is supported on the support. The main body of the device is provided with: A conveying mechanism configured to convey the continuous medium or the monolithic medium contained in the medium cartridge; Recording unit, the recording unit being configured to record images on the continuous medium or the monolithic medium conveyed by the conveying mechanism; and A controller configured to control the conveying mechanism and the recording unit, and If the controller determines, based on the signal, that the roll medium is supported on the support, the controller allows image recording on the continuous medium of the roll medium; if the controller determines, based on the signal, that the roll medium is not supported on the support, the controller does not allow image recording on the continuous medium of the roll medium.

7. An image recording device, comprising: The medium cartridge according to claim 1; A recording unit configured to record an image on the roll medium or the monolithic medium; and An optical sensor is disposed above the medium cartridge, and the optical sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The optical sensor is arranged such that the optical axis of the emitted light from the light emitting unit is tilted at an angle such that reflected light from the monolithic medium is not received by the light receiving unit, and reflected light from the roll medium is received by the light receiving unit.

8. The image recording device according to claim 7, The optical sensor is arranged such that the optical axis forms a predetermined acute angle θ with respect to a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of the monolithic medium.

9. The image recording device according to claim 7, The media cartridge includes a housing that forms the outer shell of the media cartridge, and the housing has a roll containing the roll of media. The housing has an opening located on one side in the front-rear direction, and the interior and exterior of the housing communicate with each other through the opening. The opening is located further closer to one side than the roll in the front-back direction, and The optical sensor is located further toward the other side than the opening and further toward the other side than the roll in the front-back direction, the other side being opposite to the first side.

10. The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: A feeder roller is arranged in the media cartridge, located further closer to the other side of the roll in the front-back direction, and is configured to convey the continuous media unwound from the roll towards the recording unit.

11. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising: Controller The controller is configured to: If the optical receiving unit receives reflected light, it is determined that the roll medium is contained in the medium cartridge; and if the optical receiving unit does not receive reflected light, it is determined that the monolithic medium is contained in the medium cartridge. and If it is determined that the roll medium is contained in the medium cartridge, the remaining amount of the roll medium is determined based on the amount of received light received by the optical receiving unit.

12. The image recording apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: An adjustment mechanism is configured to variably adjust the tilt of the optical axis of the optical sensor. Wherein, given that the single-piece medium is contained within the medium cartridge, the controller is further configured to: The tilt of the optical axis is adjusted by controlling the adjustment mechanism, so that the light receiving unit receives reflected light from the monolithic medium, and The remaining amount of the monolithic medium is determined based on the amount of received light received by the light receiving unit after the adjustment of the tilt of the optical axis.

13. The image recording device according to claim 12, The media cartridge has a first region and a second region, in which the monolithic medium is arranged; and in the second region, a recording sheet of the smallest size capable of recording an image is arranged. The first region and the second region overlap each other in the front-back direction when viewed from above. The adjustment of the tilt of the optical axis includes: The tilt of the optical axis is adjusted so that the emitted light from the light emitting unit is emitted toward the second region.

14. The image recording device according to claim 12, The controller is further configured to: When it is determined that the roll medium is contained in the media cartridge, the tilt of the optical axis is adjusted by controlling the adjustment mechanism according to the change in the remaining amount of the roll medium.

15. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, The media cartridge is configured to be detachably mounted to the device body, which includes the recording unit and the optical sensor.

16. The image recording apparatus according to claim 15, The device body includes a protective rib positioned above the media cartridge and arranged further to one side than the optical sensor in the front-to-back direction. The lower end of the protective rib in the vertical direction is lower than the lower end of the optical sensor in the vertical direction.

17. An image recording device, comprising: The medium cartridge according to claim 1; A feed unit configured to feed the recording medium from the medium cartridge; and A recording unit configured to record an image on the recording medium fed from the medium cartridge by the feeding unit. The media cartridge includes: A support portion configured to rotatably support the roll medium by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the roll medium housed in the media cartridge; A first sensor, configured to detect whether the roll medium is supported on the support; and A second sensor is configured to detect the presence of the recording medium at a detection position located on the path between the support and the feed unit, and through which the continuous medium unwound from the roll medium passes.

18. The image recording apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: A cutting mechanism configured to cut the recording medium fed by the feeding unit; and The first conveying unit, with respect to the feeding direction of the feeding unit to the recording medium, is arranged upstream of the cutting mechanism, and the first conveying unit is configured to apply a conveying force to the recording medium in the feeding direction by contacting the recording medium. and The second transport unit, with respect to the feed direction of the feed unit to the recording medium, is arranged downstream of the cutting mechanism, and is configured to apply a transport force to the recording medium in the feed direction by contacting the recording medium. The length of the transport path along the recording medium from the detection position of the second sensor to the cutting position of the cutting mechanism on the recording medium is longer than the length of the transport path from the first contact position to the second contact position. At the first contact position, the first transport unit is in contact with the recording medium, and at the second contact position, the second transport unit is in contact with the recording medium.

19. The image recording apparatus according to claim 17, The media cartridge has a support surface configured to support the monolithic media. The detection position of the second sensor is adjacent to the area of ​​the monolithic medium of a predetermined size supported by the support surface.

20. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising: Controller The controller is configured to: If the output signal from the first sensor indicates that the roll of media is supported on the support, it is determined that the roll of media is contained in the media cartridge; and if the output signal from the first sensor indicates that the roll of media is not supported on the support, it is determined that the single-piece media is contained in the media cartridge. (i) when the output signal from the first sensor is switched to a signal indicating that the roll medium is not supported on the support after the roll medium is determined to be contained in the media cartridge and the recording medium is fed by the feed unit, and (ii) when the output signal from the second sensor is switched from a signal indicating the presence of the recording medium to a signal indicating the absence of the recording medium after the roll medium is determined to be contained in the media cartridge and the recording medium is fed by the feed unit, the roll medium is determined to be exhausted.

21. The image recording apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising: A third sensor is configured to detect whether the recording medium is located at a position where it can be fed by the feeding unit. The controller is further configured to: If, after determining that the roll medium is contained in the media cartridge, the output signal from the third sensor is a signal indicating that the recording medium is located at the position where the recording medium can be fed by the feed unit, then it is determined that the roll medium is set in the media cartridge in the state where the roll medium can be fed by the feed unit.

22. The image recording apparatus according to claim 20, If the controller determines that the roll media has run out of stock based on the output signal from the first sensor being switched to a signal indicating that the roll media is not supported on the support, the controller will not allow recording to be made through the recording unit.

23. The image recording apparatus according to claim 20, The controller is further configured to: At the moment when it is determined that the roll medium has run out, based on the output signal from the second sensor switching from a signal indicating the presence of the recording medium to a signal indicating the absence of the recording medium, a comparison is made between the required length and the remaining length. The required length is the length of the recording medium needed from now on to complete a recording job recorded by the recording unit on the same recording medium, and the remaining length is the length of the portion of the continuous medium of the roll medium for which no image has yet been recorded by the recording unit. Where the controller determines, as a result of the comparison between the required length and the remaining length, that the remaining length is equal to or longer than the required length, the controller allows recording through the recording unit; and where the controller determines, as a result of the comparison between the required length and the remaining length, that the remaining length is shorter than the required length, the controller does not allow recording through the recording unit.

24. The image recording apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: A discharge section, configured to discharge the recording medium fed from the medium cartridge by the feeding unit. If, as a result of the comparison between the desired length and the remaining length, the controller determines that the remaining length is shorter than the desired length, the controller causes the discharge section to discharge the recording medium.

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